CBS has a report about the dangers of Peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing programs:

So far, Jeff has called 120 people to warn them their financial documents are available because of file sharing.
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While we watched, Jeff pulled the tax return of Zachary in New Mexico and called him.
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Asked to share his thoughts about it, Zachary says: “I’m deeply concerned, and I think something needs to be done now.”

I’m hoping and praying that “something needs to be done now” means “I need to do something (like uninstall software) to fix this.” It’s true, I guess, that the software manufacturers should be more diligent in notifying people exactly what’s being shared, but they’re not the only (or even the primary) people to blame here.

Don’t install stuff on your computer unless you’re certain you can trust the people you got it from, and preferably, that you’re certain you know exactly what it does. Go through the options menus and do your best to maximize your privacy as much as you can without hindering your use of the software. This isn’t spyware (though, that usually gets on your computer because you’ve been careless or done something stupid, too) — these people installed it willingly, and they didn’t think about the potential consequences.

Be careful, people. The internet is a reflection of the real world, and there are people who will find ways to take advantage of every opening you give them. Try to give them as few as possible.

( þ See What You Share )