Software developers would be required to clearly inform users when their
files are made available to other peer-to-peer users under legislation
introduced Feb. 24 by Sens. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and John Thune, R-S.D. The
legislation comes just one day after the Federal Trade Commission notified nearly 100 organizations Feb. 23 that
the use of P2P programs on their computer networks had resulted in significant
data breaches involving sensitive information about customers and employees.
The FTC said users of these networks risk the exposure of personal information,
including health-related information, financial records, and drivers’ license
and Social Security numbers, which can lead to identify theft.
"As a former prosecutor, I know that identity theft and security leaks can
be prevented," Klobuchar said in a statement. "Families
across Minnesota run the risk of
unintentionally sharing all of their private files like tax returns, legal
documents, medical records and home movies when they are connected to
peer-to-peer networks. This bill will let people know—in a way that they
can understand—that their personal files are being shared with complete
strangers."
The P2P Cyber Protection and Informed User Act would prohibit P2P file-sharing
programs from being installed without the informed consent of the authorized
computer user. The legislation would also prohibit P2P software that would
prevent the authorized user from blocking the installation of a P2P file-sharing
program and/or disabling or removing any P2P file-sharing program.
"It is important that consumers are aware of the privacy and security
threats associated with some peer-to-peer file-sharing programs," Thune
said. "The P2P Cyber Protection and Informed User Act is an important step
in achieving this goal."
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