We previously reported on the launch of Altnet's Global File Registry. The following reviews the product.

The Registry tries to be likable. The word 'Registry' has a nice friendly official ring. The name says it's 'Global' so it sounds comprehensive. Filtering is feasible in a web service architecture, assuming software performance is not degraded, which Altnet so claims.

But there are too many downsides at this point. A comprehensive registry should be free to add listings and access to encourage entries. That does not appear to be the case.

The Registry web site says that it is useful for DMCA takedown notices. But that doesn't apply in the P2P software world. The recording industry doesn't use such notices with P2P developers. The recording industry has not agreed that using this technology with or without such notices would be sufficient to protect the developer. So there is no value to the developer.

The press release says the database already holds millions of files, but which millions? There is no claim that it holds all or even any RIAA-listed songs. Even if it did, users can share and download hundreds of different copies of an unauthorized file. You don't need one hash code for a file. You need dozens of the ones actually being shared for effective identification and filtering.

There is no mention of indemnification for P2P users using Registry-enabled software. So there is no legal Protection for consumers. They can still be sued for copyright infringement.

Lastly, since it's web-based, the service can link a user's IP address to the hash code of a copyrighted file. Now Altnet says "No personal identifying information related to file transfers is collected or maintained by Global File Registry." On the other hand the Privacy Policy states "We may retain your IP address." Which one should we trust? ... Regardless of what information is collected and how it is protected, when the entertainment attorney, Department of Justice agent, or other law enforcement official comes knocking at Altnet's door, you might as well kiss any anonymity goodbye.

In summary, don't be fooled by the press about the legal and security claims. This is about money. The web site says the Registry can be used to "substitute infringing content in search results with licensed versions of those files. When users buy those files, you share the revenue."

Some people may argue that some filtering is better that none. Even that's debatable if consumers or developers think the Registry is an effective filtering solution and provides legal protection. Neither are true.