The uploading and downloading of music and movie files without the legal right to make copies is an illegal act. Those who own the rights to the music and movies miss out on substantial sums of money when people illegally download from the Internet instead of paying for the product. This is why in autumn 2006, The Data Inspectorate gave a law firm (that represents the music and movie industry) permission to monitor those areas of the Internet where illegal file sharing occurs. Through this monitoring process, the law firm will gain access to relevant IP addresses. Based on this information, various steps will be evaluated, including reporting suspects to the police.
Everything is recorded
To combat crime the EU has established a Data Retention Directive and the EU countries are in the process of implementing it. The regulatory framework means that information about who people speak with via fixed-line, mobile and IP telephones, how long the conversation lasted and when the call took place is to be archived for up to two years, irrespective of the length of a conversation. This also applies to information about who individuals send e-mails to and receive e-mails from, and when they are connected to the Internet. Norway is considering implementing a similar regulatory framework.
You are being recorded
Many people are interested in your personal information and you are recorded on a daily basis. More and more entities are collecting and collating information about you. The police can use the information to uncover crimes, while criminals do it for their own gains. The commercial entities need your information in order to make money. Marketers are interested in obtaining as much information about you as possible. Nothing is free – you pay with your personal information. And remember that you have the right to demand access to information that has been recorded about you.
