Internet Security ABC - F2F How Friend-to-Friend Networks Help Maintain Anonymity

F2F How Friend-to-Friend Networks Help Maintain Anonymity

Anonymity is hard to maintain while surfing online. Most users personal information can be displayed from their IP addresses, and any person can obtain information with access to these addresses. Friend-to-Friend (F2F) networks can be used to help users maintain their anonymity online. An F2F network is a friend-to-friend network in which users and their nodes are pseudonymous. The difference between regular and anonymous networks is in the routing methods of their network architectures. The F2F networks allow for unfettered free flow of information rather legal or not. The networks may be used to provide anonymity to those that share copyrighted files illegally. If an F2F network is not used to maintain anonymity than many of those users may be tracked and sued by the

companies from which materials are stolen.

The addresses used in friend-to-friend networks do not contain any direct identifiable information, so users can maintain their privacy and anonymity. A user is highly anonymous, and in the F2F network only friends can know that a users address is used to exchange files. In an F2F network none of the users will know who requested certain information, and it is impossible to figure out, rather a user requested information for themselves or on behalf of another user. Therefore, every user in an anonymous network acts as universal senders and universal receivers to maintain their anonymity. If the user remains a universal receiver and does not send information, then other users would be able to figure out that the information being requested is for themselves. In order to remain anonymous, users must send information to others on the network.

Most users find F2F networks to be the best way of maintaining their anonymity when sending and receiving files online. The reasons for using F2F technology are often varied, but many users just want to maintain their privacy and rights online. Some of the most common reasons for using F2F networks include distributing illegal or incriminating material, distributing material that is socially deplored, embarrassing, or problematic to a persons everyday life. Some individuals also use the networks because of fear of legal or illegal retribution, such as unofficial leaks, public interest, and activists. The networks are also used for censorship on a local, organizational, and governmental level.

There are many users that used friend-to-friend networks to maintain their personal privacy. The users want to prevent tracking or data mining activities that invade their Web browsing privacy. There are some F2F networks that allow users to control the types of files their friends exchange with their node, in order to prevent users from exchanging files that are not approved by them. Ideally F2F networks make it impossible to hinder the spread of information, which is achieved through encryption, making the different types of information indistinguishable from one another. F2F networks allow users to share information, without the worry of others obtaining their information. By remaining anonymous, users are protecting themselves, and any information they have to share.

F2F networks can help users maintain their anonymity, but there are some drawbacks issues involved in using the technology. Many people believe that F2F networks support the protection of unpopular speech, and that it protects illegal activities that are not protected under free speech. Some of the violations protected under the friend-to-friend systems, include fraud, libel, the exchange of illegal pornography or pirated music and films, and the planning of criminal activities. However, many legal users find it is the best way to maintain their anonymity, and to share whatever files they want. Although, the F2F networks may be used for illegal activities, it is still one of the best solutions to many Internet privacy issues.

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