Anti-Piracy Groups to Incite Users Against File-Sharing

As part of their efforts to stop illegal file-sharing, the Motion Picture Association and the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry have announced a new campaign that would attempt to convince the Chinese users that illegal file-sharing must be avoided. The two organizations will distribute 300,000 booklets to the students of the country's top universities in which file-sharing is described as a way to get your computer infected with viruses, worms or Trojan horses, and get your details exposed for ID thieves.

"One of the best ways to help improve understanding of the value of intellectual property is to invite people to create work of their own," said Mike Ellis, President and Managing Director, Asia-Pacific for the MPA. "It is good for China's brightest young people - the creators of tomorrow - to reflect on the value of intellectual property and I am particularly pleased that through this collaboration with CAET, respect for copyright can be further enhanced in China's young students."

The two organizations have already distributed 300 "Respect Creativity, Use Legally" booklets to the students who participated at a presentation held at the Renmin University on April 22. According to Mr. Ellis, the students should take the booklets as simple guide that will help them remain secure while using the Internet and avoid doing illegal activities which may have serious consequences.

"These young people should also be aware of the risks involved when they use P2P file sharing networks. The booklets we are distributing with IFPI will serve as a guide, and will also highlight that cumulative effects of individuals downloading pirated music and movies are just as damaging as syndicated intellectual property theft," Mike Ellis added.

Although it's hard to believe that a simple booklet would be able to convince users that illegal file-sharing is bad, this is quite an applaudable campaign of the two anti-piracy organizations. However, more and more such groups around the world join forces to combat this phenomenon, so new campaigns should arrive anytime in the near future.