Better Legal Streaming Services

Torrent sites are a large portion of online traffic. Some sources state that up to 18% of Internet search traffic includes terms related to these sites. Because only a small portion of Internet users know about these sites and actively use them, this is a significant amount of search traffic. These sites have helped to shape the future of legal streaming services.

Torrent site basics

Torrent sites are basically portals for people to file share. These peer-to-peer sites may offer software to make file sharing easier. The files shared between users may include written work, music, movies, and artwork. You can find any file you want simply using Torrent search by Torrentus.

The problem with some file sharing websites is that they may violate copyright laws. Torrent sites, on the other hand, have paid the dues to legitimately share the content within the site. Spotify, iTunes, MovieScout and Netflix are examples of these sites which share files temporarily with users in exchange for a fee.

The big issue

File sharing is a significant issue in terms of copyright problems. It is possible for online publishers to use Digital Rights Management techniques of encryption, but that would likely impede legitimate purchasers of the content to access it appropriately. Even digital watermarking and other more advanced techniques prove challenging, mostly because of the cost.

Action against torrent sites

Torrent sites usually include disclaimers that warn users not to download copyrighted materials. Despite this, legal action to shut down the sites occurs on a regular basis.

Changes are starting

Some major online publishers are starting to realize that torrent sites aren’t all bad. Some companies, such as Warner Bros. are using torrent sites for customer research. David Kapland, Warner Bros Chief of Anti-Piracy Operations recently revealed that the company has an interesting way to look at torrent sites. He said, “we view piracy as a proxy of customer demand […] enforcement related efforts are balanced with looking at ways to adjust or develop business models to take advantage of that demand by offering fans what they are looking for.”

Legal options for sharing content, such as legal on-demand viewing, reading, and listening are likely to improve based on the review of data from torrent sites. In one 2012 Ipsos study, the use of pirated products in Norway dropped significantly as low-cost alternatives became readily available. This proves that users would rather pay for creative content rather than use illegal file sharing to get the content. Looking at this leads one to believe that torrent sites have helped to pave a path for legal methods of sharing creative content.