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Childnet seeks to protect innocent children from the dark world of p2p.(Source: Modernhumorist.com)Downloading is bad, kids!

Charity efforts and technology are converging more these days, with projects such as One Laptop Per Child, or Intel’s Classmate PC project being commonplace. However, on the slightly more unusual side of things is a new international effort launched by child charity Childnet last week.

While most charity efforts thus far have focused in putting technology in children’s hands, Childnet is grabbing attention by making a controversial stance on one of the most hotly debated issues of the online world — p2p filesharing. Childnet’s new campaign seeks to warn and protect children from what it feels are serious dangers of downloading music illegally.

The effort will focus on distributing a pocket sized guide urging children “just say no” to online music sharing. The guide will be given to schools and colleges in the 21 countries targeted by the program, including Britain and the U.S. The guide will warn children of the dangers of downloading music, which it says includes breach of copyright, the threat of viruses, and the loss of privacy and security.

Childnet has in the past worked in international efforts to protect children’s safety on the internet from child predators. Now the group is switching gears and entering into this moralistic fray, arguing that children face dangers not only from child predators, but also from naivety surrounding the world of music sharing.

The move comes as the RIAA struggles with the latest development in its campaign against online music sharing, a ruling which stated that making available does not equate to distribution. The ruling significantly raises the burden of proof on the RIAA’s part, if upheld, making it harder for them to continue their costly campaign of litigation. Sharp rises in seemingly junk litigation letters from the RIAA to campuses, to students who didn’t even have online access, is also bringing the legitimacy of the organization’s crusade against file sharing into question.

With music sharing showing little signs of slowing, the organization has started to try to use other methods of deterrence, working to promote anti-p2p legislation in several countries, including legislation that mandates ISPs to terminate customers who file share. However, some countries, such as Italy, have done quite the opposite, enacting pro-p2p legislation. The RIAA and music industry, in hopes of success from new approaches, is supporting Childnet’s effort and working closely with the group.

The guide was funded in part by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industries, the RIAA’s parent organization. Additional funding came from Childnet’s fundraising efforts. The guide warns children, “Copying or distributing copyrighted material such as music, films, games and software without permission or payment is illegal.”

The guide also warns, “File-swappers are vulnerable to risks such as viruses and unwelcome content.”

It also seeks to worry parents, by letting them know that their child may be putting them legally at risk, and that they maybe be prosecuted if their child is caught file sharing. Childnet states that one third of young people in Europe use p2p networks to download music without paying for it, over three times the number who download music legitimately. Its book tells children suggested legal music sites, stating that they will benefit from more safety and better sound quality.

Childnet has also received funding and support from Ronan Keating, the British Musicians Union, and the Internet Service Providers Association. Childnet is using 17-year-old named Laura as its poster child. Laura states that she is reformed p2p-aholic. She tells her fellow children, “I used to use Limewire but didn’t realize it was wrong and my parents didn’t know what I was doing.”

dailytech.com