With BitTorrent becoming THE preferred method for peer-2-peer users, the idea of a search engine with an index of torrent files only can be quite appealing… unless you are apart of the entertainment establishment.
Because of BitTorrent’s popularity and the nature of using this method, the idea of doing a BT search engine seems obvious. Has we recently discussed, the developer of the BitTorrent client decided a search engine was his next logical move.
Beginning earlier today, the BitTorrent search engine officially went live, and apparently a large number of users decided to try the service out. The reason for this speculation is currently, the engine does not appear to be functioning properly. It’s either a traffic-related issue, or it has something to do with the backend.
Occasionally, when searches are entered, users can be taken to an error page. However, this does not happen every time, which means the search engine does function. Although, it will probably undergo some growing pains, provided it has the time to work the bugs out. On a more positive note, the engine appears to be quite thorough, much to the delight of the US law enforcement agencies and the entertainment industry, I’m sure.
When you consider the legal ramifications (of which there should be none) one has to wonder how long the BitTorrent engine will stay active. However, does the entertainment industry have a leg to stand on when it comes to their upcoming attempts to shut it down? The site certainly does not host any of the torrents it lists; it just provides a tool for those who want to take their chances. It is important to remember that all torrents are not illegal torrents. Just the ones that connect users to pirated works.
Because of that fact, the search engine should be allowed to stay in operation. But how often does this type of thinking come into play when you are dealing with the entertainment industry’s legal arm?
Chris Richardson is a search engine writer and editor for Murdok. Visit Murdok for the latest search news.
