Over the past couple of years there has been an explosion of the number of internet users using ‘peer-to-peer’ (P2P) technology.

P2P file sharing software programs are generally available as free downloads and allow you to easily share files, including images, videos, music and much more. Rather than attempt a detailed explanation of the technology, here is a link to Wikipedia, where you can blind yourself with science.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peer-to-peer

At the bottom of the Wikipedia article you will see examples of P2PTV software, which allows the video streaming of TV programmes. Initially, these programs were established to allow Asian countries to receive TV channels from their country of origin via the internet. But the software also streams live sports events.

Hence the point of this article, because tens or hundreds of thousands of people are now watching free live football stream such as the English and Scottish Premiership, Champions League, and the German Bundesliga via a P2P program.

What are the issues, advantages and disadvantages of receiving live football streams?

Cost: It’s free. That is, it’s free if you go download a specific P2P service and find that a particular game is being streamed from that channel. Alternatively, you can pay a small fee to sign-up to a service which will provide you with an up-to-date list of links to free live football streams available on the Internet. (There is an ad on Wrinklies that goes to a website which charges just £7.99 a year and also provides links to download the software. Hit the refresh button if the ad isn't displayed at the moment.)

Quality: You need at least a broadband connection – the faster the better. The quality of free football streams can be very unstable - finding a reliable, uninterrupted stream can be more difficult. Streams are often shut down in the middle of broadcasting because of copyright issues and then you have to switch to another service. Additionally, if the number of users fluctuates wildly during the stream, it will affect the quality and speed of the stream.

Security: In P2P technology, while downloading a video stream you are simultaneously also uploading that stream to other users, thus contributing to the overall availability. You should therefore be aware of the need for appropriate security on your computer.

Legality: this is the key question that remains unanswered. The highly publicised case of Napster demonstrated the power to close a service which was enabling the sharing of copyright material for reward. However, there is little hard evidence of the legality of receiving video streams where there is no income generated.

Even highly respected websites which offer P2P software downloads continue to sit on the fence – typically stating: “(Company) is not responsible for the content of this publisher's description. We encourage you to determine whether this product or your intended use is legal. We do not encourage or condone the use of any software in violation of applicable laws. Any questions, complaints or claims related to any specific download should be directed to the relevant vendor.”

In the USA many organisations have been successful in shutting down the video stream providers. However, copyright laws are less stringent in other parts of the world and this is where most streams originate, especially in countries such as China, Mexico and Iraq.

So – do you follow the trend and try the service?

If you have any thoughts or, better still, actual knowledge of the technology or legal issues, please post a message in the Wrinklies Forum.