This week we have three newcomers in our chart.

After Earth is the most downloaded movie.

The data for our weekly download chart is collected by TorrentFreak, and is for informational and educational reference only. All the movies in the list are BD/DVDrips unless stated otherwise.

RSS feed for the weekly movie download chart.

Week ending September 22, 2013

Ranking	(last week)	Movie	IMDb Rating / Trailer
torrentfreak.com
1	(…)	After Earth	4.9 / trailer
2	(2)	This Is The End	7.6 / trailer
3	(1)	World War Z	7.2 / trailer
4	(3)	Jobs	5.5 / trailer
5	(4)	The Hangover Part III	6.0 / trailer
6	(6)	We’re The Millers (Webrip)	7.2 / trailer
7	(10)	Kick-Ass 2 (R6)	7.2 / trailer
8	(5)	Now You See Me	7.4 / trailer
9	(…)	Elysium (R6)	7.0 / trailer
10	(…)	Stuck In Love	6.8 / trailer

Source: Top 10 Most Pirated Movies of The Week

On January 20, a year after Megaupload was raided, Kim Dotcom launched his new file-storage service, Mega.

The site’s membership grew from zero to more than a million in a matter of days, and in the months that followed the site continued to expand its user base.

This month Mega has overtaken RapidShare, one of its direct competitors in the file-hosting business. The graph below shows that Mega has also gained a spot on Alexa’s list of 1,000 most-visited websites on the Internet while the troubled RapidShare’s traffic has dwindled.

Like Mega, RapidShare is currently marketing itself as a personal file-storage solution. However, due to legal troubles the latter has put tough restrictions on the amount of content people are allowed to share in public. RapidShare changed its look and subscription plans once again this month but it seems unlikely that this will stop the site’s downfall.

Talking to TorrentFreak, Kim Dotcom says that privacy features, generous free storage options and high transfer speeds have been the basis for Mega’s continuous growth.

“In just eight months we grew Mega into a top 1,000 site. Users love our privacy features, ease of use, plus generous freemium and transfer speeds. We grow faster every week and are constantly investing to satisfy capacity demands,” Dotcom says.

The Mega team is only just getting started though. Based on user feedback they will soon roll out several new apps, as well as new encryption tools that will allow people to get the NSA off their backs, as far as that’s possible.

These efforts have paid off in terms of new users, and this week the company won an Australian & New Zealand Internet Award in the privacy category.

“Mega will shortly release its iOS app and synching software. Mega is winning awards for our unbroken security and privacy but we want more: Encrypted messaging, voice & video calling and email. I won’t be satisfied until the NSA is drowning in useless data salad,” Dotcom tells us.

While Mega still has some work to do before it reaches the size of the defunct Megaupload, it’s on the right path.

Dotcom says that the site is already pushing one fifth of the bandwidth Megaupload was generating at its peak, and the number of files stored on Mega is at 50% of Megaupload.

“Mega is now 20% of the size of Megaupload in terms of bandwidth utilization and already over 50% in terms of files stored. We are now pushing 1.5 times more bandwidth than the entire country of New Zealand and we are the largest outbound traffic customer of Telecom NZ.”

While Mega has been a success story so far, the New Zealand entrepreneur decided to resign as company director earlier this month to free up time for other projects. Among other things Dotcom is working on a new political party and his music service Baboom which will launch next year.

That said, not a day goes by without the Mega founder inquiring about Mega’s progress, which is in the safe hands of Mega’s management team and developers. Eventually, he hopes that Mega can become the giant Megaupload was in the past by doing that he does best – pleasing Internet users.

“Make no mistake, I care deeply about Mega and I intend to make it another top 100 site. I care about the happiness and privacy of our users. The Internet made me who I am and my gratitude is reflected in my products.”

“Let’s encrypt the Internet,” he adds.

Source: Mega Relives Megaupload Fame, Overtakes RapidShare

Last month the MPAA announced a major victory in its case against file-hosting service Hotfile.

A redacted copy of the verdict was released this week confirming that the movie studios won summary judgment on the issues of DMCA defense and vicarious liability. The remaining issues will be fought out in a trial later this year.

What the MPAA didn’t mention, however, is that the issue of Warner Bros’ alleged abuse of Hotfile’s anti-piracy tool will also go to jury.

Hotfile sued the movie studio two years ago for abusing the DMCA takedown process on numerous occasions.

The file-hoster alleged that after giving Warner access to its systems, the studio wrongfully took down hundreds of files including games demos and Open Source software without holding the copyrights to them. The takedowns continued even after the movie studio was repeatedly notified about the false claims.

In a response, Warner Bros. admitted the accusations. However, the movie studio argued that they are not to blame because the mistakes were made by a computer, not a person. As a result, the false takedown request were not “deliberate lies.”

Warner Bros. asked the court for summary judgment in its favor, but Florida District Court Judge Kathleen Williams has decided to let the issue be heard before a jury.

“There is sufficient evidence on the record to suggest that Warner intentionally targeted files it knew it had no right to remove. This precludes summary judgment in [Warner Bros'] favor,” the judge writes.

Judge Williams notes that Warner Bros. does not dispute the erroneous takedowns. The movie studio claimed that these mistakes were unavoidable but also admitted that it did not check whether the “infringing” titles actually pointed to their content. In addition, there are several other factors the jury will have to make a decision on.

“Warner readily admits that mistakes do occur, and Hotfile has identified characteristics that may be responsible for engendering those mistakes. For example, Warner’s staff did not download or review any Hotfile content before marking it for removal,” Williams writes.

Warner Bros. has targeted copyrighted works from other copyright holders, Electronic Arts for example. The movie studio also removed the software JDownloader, which was offered legally, no less than eight times for reasons that are redacted in the verdict.

“Specifically, Hotfile has provided the example of JDownloader, which Warner did not manage [redacted]. It has also shown Warner’s interest in an application of its takedown rights beyond works that it owns. And Warner has not otherwise argued that it had the right to remove those files, only that its mistakes should be excused,” Judge Williams writes.

The above is enough evidence for Hotfile to argue their case before a jury, in what promises to be a unique case on the appropriateness of automated DMCA takedown filters.

“The Court finds this motive and other evidence sufficient to sustain an inference that Warner violated Section 512(c), such that these issues should be presented to the jury.”

The case will now move to trial which is scheduled to start in November. Aside from the copyright infringement claims against Hotfile, the DMCA abuse case is expected to set an important precedent.

To be continued.

Source: Warner Bros. DMCA Fraud and Abuse Case Goes to Jury

Previously the domain of the particularly Internet savvy, in recent years the issue of online privacy has become a regular talking point in many mainstream tech publications.

The use of VPNs and services such as TOR have proven particularly popular with those looking to keep a low profile online with the added benefit of enabling users to bypass government imposed websites censorship around the world.

Of course, this year came a watershed moment for privacy when ex-CIA contractor Edward Snowden spilled the beans on the activities of the NSA, revelations which have sent shockwaves around the world. While previously corporations and geeks might have sought to heavily encrypt their communications, now everyone is getting in on the act. Needless to say, security-focused products are enjoying the boom.

For regular file-sharers, security requirements are somewhat different to those looking to whistle-blow or widely share government secrets. Nevertheless, one of the biggest VPN providers in the space will today up the ante with the release of a brand new VPN client. It offers more features than ever before to encrypt users’ communications to a level that will perfectly suit them but disappoint would-be attackers.

TorrentFreak was given access to the new software earlier this week for testing. It’s an upgrade to the current Private Internet Access OpenVPN client and installed without a hitch. It looks very much like the old software until a press of the ‘Advanced’ button reveals a new option titled ‘Encryption’.

“Our application allows our clients to change their encryption and security settings with just a few clicks to any combination they choose,” PIA CEO Andrew Lee told TorrentFreak. “We allow our customers to configure their handshake encryption, data authentication encryption and even the data itself with levels up to AES-256 and RSA 4096!”

With so many options now available, we took a brief look at each and detailed a summary below. We have avoided rocket-science type explanations – those will appear in a follow up article.

Data encryption AES-128 v AES-256 v Blowfish

Currently PIA uses 128-bit blowfish. Why should users get excited about the option to use AES-128 / AES-256 over the previous standard?

“As AES-128 is, in general, faster than Blowfish 128 on most modern processors, our customers will enjoy extra speed with this exciting addition,” Lee told us.

Interestingly, the client also allows users not to encrypt their communications at all. PIA confirmed that this setting is there for people who don’t care about encrypting their communications but still want to hide their IP addresses from sites and services they use. This setting also has the side effect of offering the greatest speeds.

Data authentication – SHA1 or SHA-256 ?

This hashing technology is used to ensure the integrity and authentication of data sent within a message. SHA1 (160bit) is the fastest option, but is it more desirable than SHA-256 (256bit)?

“SHA1 should be more than fine,” Lee explained. “However, we’re simply offering a stronger alternative for those who may feel it is a necessity.”

Handshake – RSA-2048 v RSA-3072 v RSA-4096

In 2010 it was reported that RSA 1024 bit encryption had been cracked. Now that PIA offers 2048, 3072 and 4096, is there a preferred setting for optimal efficiency?

“We believe that 2048 bit is sufficient at this point, but in-line with the previous question, we are providing the option for much stronger keysizes if the user feels it is a necessity,” Lee says.

Additionally, the new PIA client also offers elliptic curve cryptography options – ECC-256K1 (in use by BitCoin), ECC-256R1 and ECC-521. With rumors circulating that ECC may be vulnerable to NSA backdoor access, what is the best option?

“To be honest, at this point after the NSA revelations, we do not know exactly who has exactly what capability. In a crazy scenario, it could be possible that RSA is completely broken and ECC is the only viable option. Of course, we do not believe this, but again, we want to give people the choice,” Lee says.

Ok, enough crypto-babble…What’s the best setup?

PIA recommends the following setups for speed, safety and best trade-off performance.

- Default Recommended Protection — AES-128 / SHA1 / RSA-2048
- All Speed No Safety — None / None / ECC-256k1
- Maximum Protection — AES-256 / SHA256 / RSA-4096
- Risky Business — AES-128 / None / RSA-2048

Lee says that PIA have included the extra options for those who want to feel extra secure or may want to experiment a little more with cryptography. He adds that for those looking for the ultimate in protection, frequent changes of setup within the client could lead to an almost impossible situation for would-be attackers.

“With control of one’s level of encryption, even if someone were utilizing advanced alien technology, they would have a tough time if you changed your encryption settings every time you connect. But we recommend choosing the encryption strength/mode you desire and sticking with it,” Lee concludes.

Those wanting to learn more about the encryption options should head over to this page. The brand new client can be downloaded here.

TorrentFreak has also asked several other VPN providers to share their thoughts and concerns about encryption after the Snowden revelations. These will be addressed in a follow-up article.

Disclosure: PIA is a TorrentFreak sponsor

Source: Alien-Level Tech Required To Crack New VPN Encryption Setup, Makers Say

Spain has long been a thorn in the side of United States-based entertainment companies. File-sharing is somewhat of a national pastime and efforts to crack down on the activity have been met with some words and also legislation, but very little action.

In January 2012 it was revealed that the United States had threatened to put Spain on a trade blacklist but just months later the country responded by introduced the so-called Sinde Law which was designed to offer greater protections for copyright holders. However, even though the legislation included provisions to close infringing sites, there was clearly no appetite to do so.

Now, a year-and-a-half on, Spain is having another go at appeasing the United States. Under new measures approved yesterday, operators of file-sharing sites – who up until now have been able to operate fairly freely – could have to face a harsh new reality.

The Government-approved amendments to the penal code target owners and administrators of file-sharing sites that link to content hosted elsewhere. Previously these types of sites remained within the law provided they didn’t profit directly from a file-sharing transaction. Under the new amendments, those making even indirect profit from an infringement (such as via advertising) now face jail sentences of up to six years.

But while the government has signaled a crack down in one area, it insists that flexibility will remain in others, particularly against basic search engines and regular users.

“In no case will we act against regular users, neutral search engines, or against P2P programs that allow the sharing of content,” Minister Alberto Ruiz Gallardón said.

The idea of going after sites and not users was welcomed by local writer Lorenza Silva.

“You can not criminalize the entire population,” he told Elpais. “But making life difficult for the biggest contributor to the problem and going after those who generate the most benefits from it is the right strategy.”

But already questions are being raised over the new amendments. To show that a file-sharing site operator has committed a crime under the law it will be necessary to show that there has been a “significant breach of intellectual property rights” but there are no clear guidelines on what that actually means.

And for Spain, a country in which it is commonplace to buy counterfeit DVDs on the streets and where youth unemployment has reached 56%, there are many who think the government has got its priorities wrong.

“To jail? We’re not going to put anyone in jail for copying a disc or links. It sounds more like a pantomime,” local rock musician Sr Chinarro told Elpais.

Now that the Cabinet has approved the amendments they will head over to parliament for debate. Only time will tell if the government will really follow through with its threats against local sites or whether the population will respond by spending more money on media in any meaningful way. While there is a chance of the former, the latter seems a distant dream.

Source: Pirate Admins Face Six Years in Jail After Spanish Govt. Approves New Bill