Proof-of-Concept to be Implemented to Stop Illegal Distribution of Content using P2P File Sharing Software

1. Background

　The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) initiated the “Liaison Group for Countermeasures Against Illegal Content Distribution” in March 2010, and has studied countermeasures against copyright infringement on the Internet relating to video posting websites and P2P file-sharing software.

　The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) will now implement a proof-of-concept to verify the practicality, etc. of public awareness activities and the issuance of alerts to users who attempt to download content such as broadcast programs, etc. uploaded without the consent of the rights holder (hereinafter, “copyright-infringing files”) using P2P file-sharing software.

2. Outline of proof-of-concept

(1) Purpose

　 To verify the practicality and possibility of public awareness activities and the issuance of alerts to users who attempt to download copyright-infringing files.

(2) Details of implementation

　・Distribution of user-oriented written alerts from organizations holding rights

　　　Electronic files containing written alerts regarding copyright-infringing acts (hereinafter, “alert files”) will be distributed to networks of P2P file-sharing software and made free for download by users.

　・ Promotion of public awareness activities

　　　By presenting written alerts from rights holders to users who are downloading copyright-infringing files using P2P file-sharing software, public awareness activities will be conducted with the goal of helping people to gain a better understanding of copyright infringement and stopping such conduct.

　・ Confirmation of effects of proof-of-concept

　　　Verifications will be made to determine how many alert files are actually downloaded and whether these are linked to stopping the download of copyright-infringing files.

(3) Implementation period

　　January 23 to 29, 2012

(4) Contracted company

　　NTT Communications Corporation

3. Inquiries

Please submit inquiries to anti-piracyefforts_atmark_ml.soumu.go.jp (“@” is displayed as “atmark” in order to prevent spam. Please replace “atmark” with “@” when sending e-mail.)