 "MediaFire replaces pirated links with 'buy now' button")
Looks like popular file-hosting service MediaFire is taking a lesson from Megaupload’s run-in with the law over copyright infringement. Mediafire has been replacing the “download” page with “buy now” links redirecting users to Amazon when it notices a file upload that could possibly be breaking the law.
According to a Torrentfreak report, MediaFire has been proactively scanning publically shared content by users for possible copyright infringement. It has been noticed that the company is replacing download links that allegedly infringe on copyrights with a more legal “buy now” link to Amazon.
MediaFire has said that it has made this move in order to protect the users as well as itself. In the aftermath of Megaupload’s seizure and subsequent closure, the actions of many other file-hosting services were brought under intense scrutiny by the authorities.
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MediaFire too was targeted by many who suggested strict measures over file-hosting websites as a whole. MediaFire in the past had expressed shock over this generalisation that all file-hosting services indulged in copyright violations. MediaFire has tried to make sure that the service remains free of such allegations.
One shining example of MediaFire’s efforts is the service’s usage of Audible Magic. The content recognition service using digital fingerprinting technology has helped Mediafire weed out files that are in violation of its Terms of Services.
“In the interest of protecting our users, as well as MediaFire, we use AudibleMagic to prevent the unauthorized sharing of copyrighted audio and video. MediaFire is committed to protecting our users, and this system allows us to do that,” MediaFire co-founder Tom Langridge told Torrentfreak.
MediaFire has also replaced the historical “permission denied” text message with a more clear “buy now” message. When MediaFire notices that a file could contain copyrighted material, it will disable the link and put a link directing users to buy the uploaded file legally. “We do that as a convenience to the user,” said Langridge.
But what if you have not shared your copyrighted files with anyone? Would MediaFire still delete them? No, the company says. MediaFire doubles up as a cloud-storage service where people can legally store their copyrighted material as a backup. They are allowed to use and access it as and when they want.
“We do not remove any files from anyone’s accounts, but there is a difference between accessing your own files and sharing them with a 3rd party. We do not allow sharing of copyrighted materials. When a user attempts to perform that action, we show an error message,” Langridge said.
MediaFire recently released an app for Android users that allows 50GB of free cloud storage. Like most cloud storage apps available in the market, MediaFire allows you to upload files using a built-in file browser and view images and videos in the gallery mode.
MediaFire also allows online collaboration with other users to edit and share documents, presentations and spreadsheets. Users can send files via Facebook and Twitter and receive direct download links, making the app socially savvy. MediaFire also has a built-in camera feature to take photos and upload directly.
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