Site Offers History of Torrent Downloads By IP 340
tsu doh nimh writes "You may have never heard of youhavedownloaded.com, but if you recently grabbed movies, music or software from online file-trading networks, chances are decent that the site has heard of you. In fact, you may find that the titles you downloaded are now listed and publicly searchable at the site, indexed by your Internet address. So far, youhavedownloaded.com has recorded more than 50 million unique Internet addresses belonging to file-sharing users. The site is searchable by file name and by Internet address. When you visit, it automatically checks and lets you know if your Internet address is in the database."
Honeypot? (Score:4, Interesting)
Beware all you clickers!
Re: (Score:2)
Re:Honeypot? (Score:5, Insightful)
I was thinking on some sort of phishing scam...
Honeypot for catching what? Visiting such a site is not evidence of piracy.
Re: (Score:3)
Visiting the site will confirm they're on the list and they'll be "scared straight".
Re:Honeypot? (Score:4, Insightful)
you're an idiot.
Re: (Score:3)
I also visited the site, out of a particular curiosity. It said my permanent IP address was not in their database.
I'm not sure how to interpret this - I have used torrents, but only for Linux ISOs (a few flavors of Ubuntu and PCLinuxOS). However, the site does not appear to restrict itself to torrents of questionable legality, but apparently encompasses all file sharing, including the legal sharing of GPL and CC works. If you enter "Ubuntu" in their search box, it will return a number of ISO links along
Re:Honeypot? (Score:4, Funny)
That's because linux is free and therefor deprives an honest company of it's god given right to profit.
Why would you freely admit to such unethical behavior, how can you be so proud of stealing caviar from the mouths of CEOs? You monster!
Re:Honeypot? (Score:5, Informative)
It looks like they scrape popular torrent sites like TPB and then list every address in the swarm. Problem one is that legal torrents are on there too, and problem two is that trackers list fake random IP addresses to make the data unreliable in court.
My home IP address is listed with torrents I never touched, and so is my mobile one. That is despite that fact that Vodafone blocks BitTorrent and I have never used it on my 1GB/month plan.
The whole site is a troll, clearly they either don't understand the data they are collecting or they are deliberately misrepresenting it.
Re:Honeypot? (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:Honeypot? (Score:5, Insightful)
Not every Win PC (like my gaming rig for example) is automatically compromised and infected with bots. While it is possible, I see it as rather unlikely, since I have enough expertise to prevent anything that is not specifically target at me.
Much more reasonable assumption is that a) I didn't notice recent IP shuffle b) Database is randomly generated c) Database is not randomly generated, but might as well be due to methodology flaws.
Re: (Score:3, Interesting)
http://panopticlick.eff.org/ [eff.org] - Why do browsers reveal so much about themselves?
Re:Honeypot? (Score:4, Insightful)
If you are dynamic IP, that is why. In addition,
There. Fixed that for ya.
Re: (Score:3)
It depends on your set up. I typically have the same IP address for long periods of time because the ISP doesn't reassign them unless you've gone offline for a period of time. If I turned it off and back on I might get a new IP, but as long as the connection is there consistently they don't bother handing out a new IP.
When I checked the site it didn't have any information at all.
Re: (Score:3)
I had a crappy ISP DSL modem which I ultimately replaced with a TP-Link 8816, quite nice and fairly inexpensive. I've had far fewer connection problems since it automatically dials in when it loses its connection without my having to intervene.
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According to a comment someone left on the site, they apparently had records for the IP address 192.168.1.1 which have since been removed. So their data collection process is probably busted. (They probably got caught in the usual trap of assuming that trackers provide an accurate list of peers, or worse still assuming that DHT does.)
Re: (Score:3)
Nikita's a good film - definitely worth hunting down if you haven't seen it.
Of course, its spiritual sequel, "Leon" is one of the greatest films ever made, but you needed Nikita first.
Re:Honeypot? (Score:5, Informative)
Re:Honeypot? (Score:5, Insightful)
They don't need evidence they just have send a letter to your ISP saying you are a pirate.
Re: (Score:3)
Talk for your country. I live in one where "innocent until proven guilty" still means something.
But we're working on that...
imagination (Score:3)
how many of these downloads can they even validate occurred?
how many ip addresses can they even confirm are valid?
oh right, facts. forgot about those things.
Instead, it's some RIAA themed site that says "Hi, Pirate!" at the top of it.
Re: (Score:2)
Actually, if you read fully, it's quite tongue-in-cheek, particularly when your IP is clean (Go Usenet!).
Re: (Score:2, Funny)
clearly we can all validate the posting of an anonymous person with no claims in it. mod up as funny for sure.
I mean after all, my great grandfather's sister's nephew's uncle's brother must be a reliable source!
sheesh.
Re: (Score:2)
Honey what?
Re:Honeypot? (Score:5, Funny)
That site doesn't care...
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Geez, we're down to scare tactics now, huh (Score:3, Funny)
The MPAA must really be getting desperate. I guess owning Congress just isn't what it used to be.
Re:Geez, we're down to scare tactics now, huh (Score:5, Insightful)
It's not scare tactics to let you know what data there is out about you. Unless you want to be ignorant and feel happier if you don't know it.
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Those Russian guys are about to get hired.
Re:Geez, we're down to scare tactics now, huh (Score:5, Informative)
Re:Geez, we're down to scare tactics now, huh (Score:4, Interesting)
It's a good tactic though. Public shaming has always been effective.
It's likely to be more effective at stopping people than their mass lawsuits have been.
Re:Geez, we're down to scare tactics now, huh (Score:4, Insightful)
They should give links to the torrents in question when listing the files downloaded. Then the site would be useful.
Re:Geez, we're down to scare tactics now, huh (Score:4, Informative)
Actually, they do. Click on Some files others have loaded, click on one of those files - takes you to torrent page.
Or type in name of software, click on link, click on software - takes you to torrent page.
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"Those who care about their reputation will just use other locations"
Or better yet, they will live in a saner country where sharing contents is legally supported.
Re: (Score:3, Interesting)
Right. Because file sharing policy is the sole dictate of where I should live.
Re:Geez, we're down to scare tactics now, huh (Score:5, Funny)
Here I come sunny Somalia!
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"Right. Because file sharing policy is the sole dictate of where I should live."
You can add a longer life expectancy too, for instance.
But we were talking about sharing content on the Internet, weren't we? And then again, what part of *saner* did you find so cumbersome?
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The MPAA must really be getting desperate. I guess owning Congress just isn't what it used to be.
Probably going to throw the clamps on everyone who ever offered Free Wi-Fi and that wi-fi was used to torrent.
"Mr. Starbucks, you owe us 1 million dollars!" *whisper* *whisper* "make that 100 billion dollars!!"
Not concerned (Score:2)
Dynamic IP FTW!
Because it's totally accurate... (Score:5, Interesting)
Hi. We have no records on you.
This means you are using a private torrent tracker or, of course, you may not be a torrent user at all!
I torrent a ton. On that IP. I don't use private trackers. I am even seeding now.
Their detection method is clearly terrible.
indexed by your Internet address (Score:5, Funny)
Re:indexed by your Internet address (Score:5, Informative)
Obscure, but I got it. [youtube.com]
Re:indexed by your Internet address (Score:5, Funny)
With a username like "iluvcapra", I'd certainly hope you got it.
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I'm still waiting for the slashdot post that somehow ties Foxconn workplace abuses to The Bitter Tea of General Yen...
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Not particularly obscure. It is December 12th. Everybody has probably seen that stupid movie half a dozen times already this month on account if it being the only damn thing on TV now.
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Never seen it, don't really plan to either.
I'll stand up and say it: (Score:4, Insightful)
The only reason it's remembered is because it fell into the public domain.
see you in Hell, modpoints!
Re:indexed by your Internet address (Score:4, Insightful)
Facebook data harvesting tool (Score:5, Interesting)
Well, at least we know how they're monetizing this admittedly slick database; they won't allow you to submit a removal request until you provide your facebook credentials. To even reach the text below, you need to unblock Facebook in NoScript:
______
Removal Request
What’s the matter? You’re brave enough to steal music, movies and programs but only because you thought you weren’t going to get caught? Well whoever told you that was completely wrong and now your information has gone public. Are you afraid of media companies finding out that you’re a pirate or are you afraid of your friends finding out exactly what you’ve been downloading? Whatever your reason may be, the internet is no place for secrets. Even if you use every precaution in the book, there’s always a chance that someone like us will figure out what you’ve been up to. Because, the reality is, if man made it...man will get around it...and man will figure out how to exploit it. It’s just human nature.
Anyway, like we said before, luck is on your side today because we’re actually nicer than we let on. I never said we wouldn’t bust your chops about it, but at least we’re offering you a chance to redeem yourself — The details can be found after logging in to your Facebook account.
Re:Facebook data harvesting tool (Score:5, Interesting)
Said Facebook data will be fed into their publicly available Facebook database, to be released in a week.
So that's how they'll figure out who to sue (Score:5, Insightful)
Well, getting people's personal data voluntarily (well, okay, via semi-blackmail) is one way to reduce the workload for your legal staff.
Seriously, who would be stupid enough to login to facebook and FURTHER link themselves? This is just asking to be sued.
Re:So that's how they'll figure out who to sue (Score:4, Funny)
Well, getting people's personal data voluntarily (well, okay, via semi-blackmail) is one way to reduce the workload for your legal staff.
I just increased their workload by a dozen names:
Oliver Clothesoff
Al Coholic
Jacques Strap
Seymour Butz
Homer Sexual
Mike Rotch
Hugh Jass
Amanda Huggenkiss
Anita Bath
Ivana Tinkle
Maya Buttreek
Yuri Nater
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Re:Facebook data harvesting tool (Score:4, Informative)
I know this is Slashdot and most people get it, but for those who don't -- this looks like a form of phishing to get your Facebook password. I'm not a security expert but I imagine they are using a man-in-the-middle attack to log your password while you log in.
This is probably exactly what parent intended to imply.
Re:Facebook data harvesting tool (Score:4, Interesting)
Doesn't look that way to me - it's the standard Facebook Connect popup window that connects to Facebook.com via HTTPS.
What part of it looks like phishing for passwords to you?
Blatant honeypot alert! (Score:2)
WARNING! Only do this if you are an idiot! Don't unblock / log into Facebook or anything else. Odd that they presume you have an account too.
Zero results (Score:5, Informative)
I don't do anything out of the ordinary to otherwise secure or anonymize my downloading using either Transmission or Vuze, for what it's worth.
Re:Zero results (Score:5, Funny)
Yep (AC here - sorry!) Both myself and my neighbors (we share a connection) are pretty heavy BT users (we use Azureus or "Vuze Classic") and the IP didn't show up anything. We've had the same IP for at least 18 months. Either they're inflating their numbers drastically (who says they aren't lying horribly? This is the MPAA/RIAA after all) or only using encrypted trackers seems to have some effect.
Re:Zero results (Score:5, Funny)
Hah. Uh, always hit preview when posting as an AC!
Re: (Score:2)
I only get "Preview","Quote parent" and "cancel" buttons
Re: (Score:3)
By disabling the D2 system.
Or right-click "Reply to This" and open it in a new tab, to bypass the Javascript and get the old posting form.
Re:Zero results (Score:5, Insightful)
Uh, that's how it's always been, ever since 2001 or so. I've tweaked the hell out of my account settings over the years, and when they did that awful 2.0 update earlier this year I think (when the option later became available) I set the discussion style to "Classic Discussion System (D1)", which may allow that option. But I guess that's the pitfall of posting without a net!
P.S. the stock D1 settings are terrible, adjust your score modifiers accordingly [slashdot.org]:
Insightful +1
Offtopic +1
Flamebait +1
Troll +1
Informative +6
Redundant -4
Friend +6
Fan+6
Foe +6
anonymous Modifier +1
New User Modifier +1
Small Comment Modifier1, -1
Long Comment Modifier 1, +1
And then browse at a threshold at +3, Threaded, Oldest First, Index Spill 600 and Reparent Highly Rated Comments as "True". Also helps if you have a healthy friends/foes list. Anybody willing to stick their neck out as an expert in a particular field and making a particularly informative post usually gets an add.
Re: (Score:2)
Thank you for posting this Hadlock, we will be sure to use this in your upcoming civil case.
Love,
Media conglomerate.
missing link to actual users, dynamic IPs, etc (Score:2)
"When you visit, it automatically checks and lets you know if your Internet address is in the database."
Except most people don't have a fixed IP reserved for them. Does that mean I'm going to get the "warning" because someone else on my ISP downloaded content? (Yes.)
Nevertheless, it's an interesting tool, but this information is probably useless since you still need to contact the ISP in order to know who actually was using that IP in that given time frame.
Also, keep in mind that this site currently only di
Re: (Score:3)
True but they state in there chat area that they store a full time stamp, they just display a vague one. Probably to keep other companies from scraping their database.
Already defeated... (Score:2)
Re:Already defeated... (Score:5, Funny)
Already defeated By-Tor
Yes, the Snow Dog did.
Re: (Score:2)
Use I2P or just go encrypted & peerblocked, your warez downloads are bogging down the connection of people with real problems.
Illegal (Score:5, Interesting)
And if they track any IP address from Switzerland, they are breaking the Swiss data protection laws and can be sued for damages for collecting the IP and breach of privacy.
See http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2010/09/switzerland-gathering-ip-addresses-from-bittorrent-sites-illegal.ars
What happened to another IP slurper...
"But Switzerland, which is not an EU member, has decided that it can't sanction Logistep's behavior. The country's Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner, Hanspeter Thür, took Logistep to court and this week won a major victory. The Federal Supreme Court ruled that IP addresses are in fact personal information and that companies like Logistep can't go about slurping them up for mere civil cases like file-swapping lawsuits. Logistep must cease all current copyright infringement data collection.
In a press release issued yesterday, Thür praised the court's decision. He sees Logistep as trying to "assume tasks clearly in the State's domain." Only the state can violate personal privacy, and only when pursuing criminal cases."
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Think the same goes for quite a lot of places around Europe; Just checked my own IP and nothing shows up, if it had I'd emailed forbrugerombudsmanden and complained.
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I'm sure that the Russian courts take the enforcement of Swiss data protection laws and civil judgments very seriously.
Don't take it seriously (Score:5, Interesting)
The privacy policy, the contact us page — it’s all a joke. We came up with the idea of building a crawler like this and keeping the maintenance price under $300 a month. There was only one way to prove our theory worked — to implement it in practice. So we did. Now, we find ourselves with a big crawler. We knew what it did but we didn’t know how to use it. So we decided to make a joke out of it. That’s the beauty of jokes — you can make them out of anything.
However, if you have a better idea — don’t hesitate to contact us.
Do take it seriously (Score:5, Informative)
From the "Contact Us" page (which, among other things, lists a postal address in an Antarctic research base):
This site is a joke. But its data is not.
My Car (Score:5, Funny)
Re: (Score:2)
Yeah, but what about the bear? O_o
Bear drives, does not download.
cool (Score:2)
now I can see what all the other people who share the DHCP pool at my ISP are downloading
Information wants to be free, right? (Score:2)
Information wants to be free, right? IMO this is awesome.
Yeah right... (Score:2)
Well... (Score:5, Funny)
Re: (Score:3)
"Nobody goes there anymore. It's always slashdotted." --Yogi Berra
MOD ARTICLE DOWN (Score:2)
Slashdot, can we have a "Remove Article" option for articles like this that are quickly revealed to be a joke? The site doesn't track anything, and it even says so. The article is pointless.
someguyusingyourwifidownloaded.com (Score:2)
Connecting to a tracker != downloading (Score:2)
Dear courts and judges:
Connecting to a tracker != copyright infringement
Requesting a block from a peer != copyright infringement (for all we know the ISP could've used DPI to drop that packet)
Applying for a search warrant, get
Re: (Score:2)
My IP address? (Score:2)
They mean the IP address of my gateway, not *MY* IP address. Even then, it's not *MINE*, it comes from a pool of IPs handed out by my ISP's DHCP server and it changes periodically. The address assigned my gateway today could have been last used by the Disney Princess Bootleg Video Mafia, and I'd be a little offended if I found that I was being impugned as a distributor of low-brow animated bastardizations of classic fairy tales. Doubly so if some numb-nuts from Disney's legal department gets all uppity and
Tor is hilarious (Score:2)
Anonymous MIA? (Score:2)
So where is Anonymous when you really need them.
False positives (Score:2)
Site Only Lists the Foolish .. (Score:5, Interesting)
Pretty much useless (Score:2)
Given all the TV shows I've downloaded over the years both current and old, I suspect this site really doesn't do much if you're not downloading torrents from "big names" like The Pirate Bay. With their grotesque lack of accuracy in their date, I do hope that anybody sued as a result of the information they do collect is wise enough to fight and question the v
Wow (Score:5, Informative)
1. They visit public tracker websites.
2. They query the tracker for a list of peers given a torrent hash (not difficult)
3. Dump all data into the database that can be searched through their website
That means your data is not on there if you're a torrent user because you're using a tracker they aren't indexing or you have a dynamic ip that they haven't categorized yet. In the same way this is why you can get false positives. All this B.S. about honey pots or fear mongering is dumb considering how straight forward this website is.
What?! I'm outraged! (Score:3)
It's a facebook account/details farming scam (Score:5, Insightful)
Gathering torrent IP's from popular sites isn't difficult.
But they clearly want people very badly to sign in with their facebook accounts. First they're scaring people to sign in by promising removal from their database. If you visit the site again they provide you with a choice - an impossible (!) captcha or facebook. It's social hacking.
First off - don't let them scare you. Copyright holders has all the info anyway. Second, don't ever give away your facebook credentials to a third party that you don't trust. Third, don't trust these people.
They just want your Facebook (Score:3, Informative)
Re:Inaccurate (Score:5, Insightful)
Re:Not so much (Score:5, Interesting)
Ditto. This thing pegged me as downloading something from "Lil Wayne" while not correctly identifying the things that I have actually torrented. Although I usually stay away from stuff that RIAA or MPAA have any jurisdiction over.
So they aren't going to publically shame me over downloading Centos? I'm so dissapointed.
Re:Not so much (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Not so much (Score:5, Interesting)
I do find it funny though, they do list Pioneer One [pioneerone.tv]. That's right, shame on me for sharing a TV show that was made to be shared.
lol.
Re: (Score:2)
I'm with you on that. I was disappointed when I went there and they didn't list all the linux distro's I'm constantly seeding. I do find it funny though, they do list Pioneer One [pioneerone.tv]. That's right, shame on me for sharing a TV show that was made to be shared. lol.
I didn't think the site was about shaming; reading some of the links on the site (the privacy policy is somewhat amusing) they say they had the idea as a proof of concept, and implemented it to see if it would work, and thought they may as well make it accessible.
I checked the other day when I first saw this, and just now. They didn't have anything for me, even though I have also been sharing the Pioneer One show, and a load of stuff from Jamendo.
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"So it looks like this index is a load of crap."
Or maybe they don't have the resources to connect to every single torrent tracker in existence?
It had a correct listing for something I downloaded two weeks ago.