File-sharing crackdown FileSonic's apparent closure adds to a list of other file-sharing sites that have been shut down or restricted over recent months. They include BitTorrent tracker Demonoid going offline; UKNova removing its torrent links; the closure of Surfthechannel.com and imprisonment of its owner; and court orders forcing ISPs (internet service providers) to block access to The Pirate Bay and Newzbin.
"It's becoming more difficult for file-sharing sites to operate without getting into trouble both from the authorities and also lawsuits from copyright owners," Ernesto Van Der Sar, editor of TorrentFreak told the BBC. "Anyone looking to find a particular pirated blockbuster movie or other popular file online can still do so, but some of the e-books and more obscure content are becoming harder to find, and reward programs - offering uploaders cash for their activity - are less common.
" Despite this trend Kim Dotcom, founder of Megaupload, has recently said he intends to create a new service despite the US's continued efforts to extradite him and his former co-workers from New Zealand. "We are building a massive global network," he wrote on Twitter earlier this week. "All non-US hosters will be able to connect servers & bandwidth. Get ready." For its part, the BPI has said that it would oppose any service that heavily relied on copyright infringement, but would be willing to help sites shift away from "illegal downloading".
"File hosting services need to be more proactive in ensuring they are not hosting illegal content," said its chief executive Geoff Taylor. "We can help them do this. Moreover, if they are ready to implement business models that fairly reward musicians and labels, then we are willing to partner with them so they can host and distribute music legally."
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