P2P User Act Passes the U.S. House

The Informed P2P User Act, the bill created to protect people against the security and privacy violation that occur when using p2p file sharing applications, whose introduction we reported back in March was approved by the U.S. House.

After failing to obtain Congress approval two times in the past Mary Mack Bono (R-CA) finally gets green light for the bill which mandates P2P software vendors to include in their applications a "clear and conspicuous" notice to users about the files they are sharing through the software which requires user consent before continuing sharing content. The bill is also clear about P2P vendors not being allowed to block users when trying to disable or remove their p2p applications from their computers.

Bono Mack emphasized the need for such a legislation: "Too many consumers don't realize that by using P2P software, they could be exposing all of their personal files — from family photos to bank account information — to complete strangers on their network."

U.S. Senate will now be reviewing the bill.

“With so many criminals, including child pornographers and identity thieves, stalking the Internet, it is all the more essential that Americans know when their personal information is at risk and how to protect themselves and their families online," Bono Mack continued. "I am pleased that my colleagues in the House of Representatives recognize the importance of this issue and am hopeful that the Senate will act swiftly in passing this legislation as well.”