Lime Wire to Congress: Our Software is Safe to Use

Limewire claims the latest version of its software does not allow inadverent sharing of files

As we reported last month, Limewire finds itself again in the crosshairs of the authorities as Congress criticizes the high risk anyone using the software exposes themselves to by the possibility of having their confidential data inadvertently shared on p2p networks.

The company has responded to these critics on May 1 saying that the latest version of its software is safe to use and that risk is no longer a problem.

In his response letter to the House Committee, Lime Wire Chairman Mark Gorton said:

"LimeWire 5 has addressed not only document sharing, but sharing of all file types. For new LimeWire users, LimeWire 5 does not share any file or any type without explicit permission from the user," Gorton wrote in response. "What's more, LimeWire 5 allows the user to clearly see what is shared and with whom. Additionally, LimeWire does not display known virus file types in an effort to protect users from compromising their computer."

He also came forward with some figures to back up the ‘rehabilitation’ of one if not the most popular p2p file sharing program in the world – according to Gorton nearly 50 % of Lime Wire users (the measurable part of the at least) had already upgraded to LimeWire 5 and the company believes the number will climb to 75 or 80 % by the end of this summer. He then emphasized how "LimeWire fundamentally changed the way file sharing works," reminding all how "LimeWire started from the ground up and addressed the fundamental problems that led to inadvertent file sharing."

Further on Gorton was keen on making it clear that his company provides not a service but a program which is to say that "Lime Wire has no unique information about the incidents beyond what is available to the public generally and has no records pertaining to such."

A legislative hearing will be held on May 5 by the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection which will be focused on the proposed Informed P2P User Act. The latter stipulates that P2P companies are required to include clear and efficient ways to inform users with regard to the files they make available through their p2p programs and to ask users for their informed consent when using such programs.