This post is part of a series on the US House of Representatives hearing on P2P.
1. U.S. Witch Hunt
2. Who Stole My P2P Cheese
3. What the Feds Say
4. The Industry Talks
5. Clark Wants Gov. Regulation


The FTC ran a two day Workshop two years ago on issues and risks with P2P software. It was a balanced and extensive program covering law, public policy, technology, research, and usage.

I was on a panel on consumer risks to represent the industry. I presented on my P2P software's features to control what is shared through shared folders and private sharing, support anti-virus monitoring, prevent communications from invasive users, and deter and report child pornography

At this year's House hearing Mary Engle of the FTC noted that the P2P industry has made steady improvements in safety since the Workshop.

She reaffirmed that P2P is a neutral technology. She said that due to US Patent and Trademark Office new concerns the FTC would look at the P2P industry yet again. She discussed two cases of FTC legal action against web sites that misrepresented and exploited P2P software firms and deceived the public.