RapidShare Would Kick Off Users Without Proof of Wrongdoing

Cyberlockers are in a tricky situation. Since the copyright-dependent industries took down MegaUpload, few are taking any chances. Many have changed their service, limiting public sharing and taking other measures.

RapidShare has once again taken the lead by issuing a "manifesto," which it believes other cyberlockers should adopt as well. The manifesto is designed to keep illegally shared content from being hosted on the site.

There are, of course, laws for that, but the media industry has long argued that they are not enough and is doing all it can to create tougher laws around the world.

But RapidShare's "recommendations" go beyond most copyright laws, including the US ones. RapidShare is a private company that is free to do as it wants and guard its own interests.

But looking at some of the provisions in the manifesto, it's hard to argue that the company is acting in its best interest, not to mention its users'.

One of the more interesting provisions is that users should be kicked out if copyright holders want it to, some accusations are enough to have an account terminated, no need to prove anything.

"Services should terminate account holders or subscribers not merely upon proof that they are infringers but when sufficient copyright holders have called their conduct into question," RapidShare wrote in the document.

"In such cases, services deserve an explanation from the users as to why the suspicions are unfounded," it added.

Because it's the user’s responsibility to explain why they aren't infringing and not the accuser's responsibility to prove it, guilty until proven innocent. The document also urges companies to remove users that they believe may be infringing, pro-actively.

Another provision that is dubious is the ability to view user files if there is a suspicion that they are infringing.

RapidShare vows to follow its own rules and suggest that others should do the same. As a legitimate user, you'd think that there's nothing to worry about in here. But as we've seen countless times, even the lawful measures get abused.