Grokster verdict

[TheBaron]

the grokster verdict (http://www.cnn.com/2005/LAW/06/27/scotus.file.sharing.ap/index.html) finally came today, as a nail in the coffin to Grokster and their Morpheus file sharing client.

here's a question, it sounds like this ruling can only be upheld for software which is primarily used to swap music and movies illegally. my question here is - does this apply to bittorrent? I use that software for getting new linux distros and for demos and whatnot all the time, I'm hoping the bittorrent creater (who if I recall correctly had open source intentions in mind when he created the software) doesn't get any extra flak because of this.

I think I remember seeing a quote somewhere from the MPAA that said something like "Bittorrent may prove too useful to take down"

[Buddy J]

I don't think BT can be taken down. Seeing as how the open source community and even the recording industry has used it to some success, I'd doubt that they'd attack it. The creator of the technology shouldn't get any flack. From what I've seen, he has always touted its benefits for legal activities and shyed from commenting on the illegal natures it can be used in. And I think you're right about the open source aspect of BT, partially evident by the number of different clients out there.

What I think could be targeted are the trackers. Whatever they use to run the trackers and generate the databases might be more easily targeted by the RIAA as software/backends/whatever that is used for illicit purposes.

[Nomad]

A lot of companies use bitorrent legitimately.

[RWB]

Primarily I recall that World of Worldcraft used it, and EVE Online/Genesis uses it as well.