Find torrents through browser searchesThe original developer of the insanely popular BitTorrent file-sharing/transferring protocol is planning on releasing a search tool for web browsers that will allow BT users to find torrent files for almost anything on the world wide web.?With the help of Ask Jeeves, search results will be ranked by popularity based on number of seeders and overall amount of data transferred.
Those of you in the know (*wink wink*) should be aware that search engine websites already exist for finding torrent files on the world wide web, but this developments marks the first time that search functionality is officially supported for BT.?Interestingly, the partnership with Ask Jeeves means that this BT search feature will also be the first commercial endeavor on BT's part, as BT will make money from sponsored links and clickthroughs.
Naturally, there is concern as to how being able to find trackers quickly could serve industry watchdogs:
"In this environment, a comprehensive search facility operated by BitTorrent's creator could be a bright red bull's-eye to content industry lawyers, says Mark Lemley, a law professor at Stanford University Law School and an expert in intellectual property and internet law.'This creates something that BitTorrent has until now lacked, which is a centralized node to target,' Lemley says. 'One of the differences between BitTorrent and Kazaa has been that there's a central Kazaa company.... There hasn't been a similar centralized service or site associated with BitTorrent, and now there is.'
'I think the search engine itself shouldn't be illegal, but I think will find himself inundated with notices of infringing material,' says Lemley. 'He may find over time that his full-time job is turning off links.'"
BT and Ask Jeeves feel they cannot be held liable for links to infringing content that have been generated through?automation.?As explained above, they may find themselves forced to moderate links as a result.?Time will tell if the RIAA/MPAA are going to settle for that once the search engine launches in two weeks.
Article Link: Wired
