Is file sharing really the problem?

File sharing is the public or private sharing of files between people using a computer connected to the internet. There is a lot of debate whether file sharing is legal or illegal, I believe that file sharing is ok, however it depens on the content of the file that you are sharing. In most countries file sharing is legal, however if the content is protected by copyrights then to share to other users is illegal. For example downloading or sharing a copyrighted movie, sharing copyrighted songs, or downloading songs that you have purchased is all illegal.

What happens if I get caught?

It depends on the law of the country you live in, however usually you would be fined for each item. That’s every song, movie or software you’ve downloaded or shared.

The Goverenment is looking to help the entertainment industry to prevent file sharing, however it seems to be a problem that can’t be solve. The government wants to introduce new laws under a tougher proposal, internet service providers would be obliged to block access to download sites, slow down broadband connections or even temporarily cut off access for repeat offenders.

Young artist like Lilly allen has lauched a blog on Myspace against file sharing, branding it "music piracy" and claiming it was turning the British music industry into "nothing but puppets paid for by Simon Cowell" as it made it "harder and harder for new acts to emerge".

Lily wrote: "I think music piracy is having a dangerous effect on British music, but some really rich and successful artists like Nick Mason from Pink Floyd and Ed O'Brien from Radiohead don't seem to think so." Lily continued: "These guys from huge bands said file-sharing music is fine. It probably is fine for them. They do sell-out arena tours and have the biggest Ferrari collections in the world. When you manage to get a contract, all those pretty videos and posters advertising your album have to be paid for and, as the artist, you have to pay for them. I've only just finished paying off all the money I owe my record company. I'm lucky that I've been successful and managed to pay it back, but not everyone's so lucky."

What do we mean by public interest?

In June 2012 The Sun newspaper and Deputy Leader Harriet Harmen, both argued that a public inrterest defence should be wriiten to protect journalist who expose important stories. She wants the prime minister to call for protection for journalists who can fall foul of the law when exposing important stories. “It’s good to see politicians realise the danger that laws and over-regulation can pose to a strong and free Press vital to democracy” .Ms Harman wants a public interest defence made law as soon as possible, she argues that without such a safeguard, it is hard to serve the public interest."

But what is the public interest within media?

• Refers to the general welfare of the public.
• It denotes a political movement.
• It’s what benefits the public.
• Something which is for the public interest should benefit every single person within that society.

Should people care more about their privacy?

People tend to care about their online privacy however, at seems people seem to forget that the information they release especially on social networking sites, millions of people can also see it too. However development of tools specifically on Facebook, now allow users to control and maintain their privacy e.g. control who can see their personal information, posts and photos. I think people should care more about their privacy, unfortunately most do not especially young children, mainly young girls who are much more vulnerable and unaware of the dangers of the internet. online predators are most commonly adults who use various techniques to establish a close relationship with young Web users. Predators typically pose as young people and take their time befriending minors, gathering personal information and other clues in the virtual world so they can lure, blackmail, abuse or kidnap their targets in the real world.

Is the internet rewiring our brains?

Are social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter rewiring our brains and making us believe in constructed ideas and values? People tend to rely on social media platforms and we tend to believe in things that we read on these platforms. The internet has now become a place where you can communicate thoughts through photos, emails, chat and gossip. It’s become hugely addictive, as the more time we spend on the internet the less time we spend reading books, newspapers, interacting with families. We can access so much more information, in one place at one time.

Does violence in the media lead to violence in society?

"As a man thinks in his heart, so is he"

The impact of media violence usually affects children in their adolescence to young adults. From childhood a lot of people are exposed to violence in the media, primarily seeing it on the television. A lot of crime seen on the television is centred on poverty, families who are unable to work and provide stability for their children, and ongoing exposure to domestic and community violence. Researchers have found that very young children will imitate aggressive acts seen on television in their play with peers. Deeper research has found strong correlation between children who experience television violence tend to grown up and commit similar crimes.