Gold & Platinum News

RIAA Welcomes FTC's Alert to Companies Over P2P Privacy and Security Breaches

WASHINGTON - In response to the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) recent announcement of its notification to almost 100 public and private entities whose computer networks have been compromised due to the abuse of peer-to-peer (p2p) technology -- including schools, local businesses, publicly-held companies and others -- Mitch Bainwol, RIAA Chairman & CEO, offered the following comment:

It's an all-too common refrain: a story of another security breach caused by the abuse of p2p technology. Countless private citizens, corporations and government systems have been put at risk by entities that design a p2p product knowing that intense exchanging of files on open software programs brings unacceptable risk to others.

We are grateful to the FTC for recognizing the harmful effects of p2p abuse and raising consumer awareness on this issue.  While the warning is welcome, it does not fully address the persistent problems caused by bad actors who profit everyday as they jeopardize privacy and computer networks.

What else are we waiting for?  Given the significant job losses endured by the creative community and profound evidence that no business or community is immune from the damaging effects of p2p abuse, what will it take to spur meaningful and long-overdue action against those who profit from nefarious use of p2p?

FTC’s release on its announcement can be found here. 

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The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is the trade organization that supports and promotes the creative and financial vitality of the major music companies. Its members are the music labels that comprise the most vibrant record industry in the world. RIAA® members create, manufacture and/or distribute approximately 85% of all legitimate recorded music produced and sold in the United States.

In support of this mission, the RIAA works to protect the intellectual property and First Amendment rights of artists and music labels; conduct consumer, industry and technical research; and monitor and review state and federal laws, regulations and policies. The RIAA® also certifies Gold®, Platinum®, Multi- Platinum™ and Diamond sales awards as well as Los Premios De Oro y Platino™, an award celebrating Latin music sales.

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