Steal Some Files!
Justin Woo

In general, the public is always in search of the most cost-efficient method to satiate their needs.  If people have free access to software and files, which could potentially cost a great deal, they will copy it in a blink of an eye.  This situation exists in the online world.  Ever since the establishment of the Internet, this industry has exploded.  The basic economic principal is that there is a demand and people will rise to the occasion to fill it.  It is similar to a black market structure.  The government may attempt to eliminate or restrict services, such as Napster (www.napster.com), but as long as there is the technology to duplicate and transport files, it will continue to grow.

There are unlimited platforms in which file trading may take place.  For example, Microsoft Internet Relay Chat (www.mIRC.com) is a network where people gather to communicate.  In specific chat rooms, people may gather and discuss trading.  The program allows for file transfers between computers.  There are multiple shareware compression programs that make this process possible. Nowadays, a new movie can be downloaded the same weekend of its release.  Music and full albums are regularly exchanged through programs such as Napster.  Even messenger programs all have the ability to send and receive files.

Authorities continue to express their concern about unlawful trading.  The truth is, it is futile to dedicate substantial amounts of time and money to stop it.  This software “black market” could likely live forever.  Realistically, there is no way to prevent the trading of illegal copies of files.