One of the popular practices in the contemporary technological world is file sharing. The process entails accessing and distributing different forms of information in their digital formats. Some of the widely shared information includes multimedia files, e-books, programs and computer softwares. Various contemporary and conservative methods are used in file sharing. The traditional methods are largely manual, and they include use of CD’s and floppy disks. Contrary, modern methods of file sharing are largely digitized, for example, peer-to-peer sharing and World Wide Web hyperlinking (Oberholzer & Strumpf). This practice has generated heated debate across the world, with one school of thought supporting the practice while the other opposes it.
File sharing is highly debated along its legality and illegality, morality, pros and cons. Issues of legality are highly contested, since people are divided on what exactly amounts to breaching of the law. Most artists and writers copyright their products, and sharing it is a punishable offence. Nonetheless, the same artists may at times encourage sharing of their files to promote their work. Thus, legality and illegality may vary depending on the objective of the person sharing the information. Morality is also another issue in file sharing. It is considered immoral when one share patented or copyrighted information without approval from the creator. Immorality may thus be avoided through acknowledging the sources and seeking approval from the creator. However, sharing may be considered moral if it is conducted to improve the lives and status of the person sharing and the one receiving it (Boss). As such, it can be argued that legality and morality on information sharing revolves around the intent of the person sharing and the one receiving it.
There exist various pros and cons of information sharing. On the positive side, information sharing enhances easier and cheaper way of sharing information and files across different regions. Information sharing is incredibly efficient, time and energy saving; thus, it prudent in the contemporary-dynamic world. On the downside, file sharing may resulting to contravening of copyright laws especially in regards to music and literature work. File sharing may also result to cyber crimes, killing of creativity and hacking of crucial system (Stefan, Krishna & Steven). It is, therefore, of utmost importance that one puts into consideration all variables surrounding information sharing.
Work Cited
Boss, Judith. Analyzing Moral Issues. Boston: McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2008.
Oberholzer, Felix and Strumpf, Koleman. The Effect of File Sharing on Record Sales: An
Empirical Analysis. Harvard: Harvard Business School, 2004: 1-10
Stefan, Saroiu, Krishna, Gummadi and Steven Gribble. A Measurement Study of Peer-to-
Peer File Sharing Systems. Technical Report. Department of Computer Science & Engineering. Washington: University of Washington, March 2011.
