The following information is provided as a public service by Ares Galaxy. Please also read the important Consumer Alert concerning peer to peer software from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.

P2P SOFTWARE USER ADVISORIES

Copyright Infringement Liability - P2P technology makes it possible to share all kinds of information. Some information is protected by copyright, which means that you generally need the copyright owner's permission before you make it available to other P2P users. Popular music, movies, games, and software are often protected by copyright.

Copyright infringement can result in significant monetary damages, fines, and even criminal penalties. Some copyright owners have filed civil lawsuits against individuals that they believe unlawfully distributed large numbers of copyrighted songs. You can learn more about copyright laws at www.p2punited.org/copyright.php.
Click here for information about how this P2P software application can help you avoid committing copyright infringement.

Data Security - P2P software programs let users share information with other users around the globe. They allow users to view the contents of each others' "shared folders". If you have personal information in your shared folder, anyone else using the same P2P software has access to it. Another user could use that information to commit identity theft, or to embarrass you. Please pay attention to the files that you place in, or download to, your shared folder. Don't put information in your shared folder that you aren't comfortable sharing with strangers.

In particular, do not put tax, medical, banking, correspondence or any other sensitive personal files in the same folder as files that are shared via your P2P software program.

Click here for information about how to use this P2P software application to minimize or avoid these data security problems. To report identity theft, or for more information about identity theft, please consult the Federal Trade Commission's Identity Theft Clearinghouse at www.consumer.gov/idtheft/.

Unwanted Exposure to Pornography - P2P software may give users, including children, access to pornography. Some files containing pornography may be deliberately mislabeled to attract young or otherwise unsuspecting viewers. Distributing illegal pornography is a serious crime. Users whose shared folders contain illegal pornographic material, particularly child pornography, could be subject to criminal prosecution.

Click here for information about how to use this P2P software application to minimize or avoid inadvertent exposure to pornography or the illegal redistribution of such materials.

Ares Galaxy believes strongly that we all must stamp out child pornography. Click here to report suspected child pornography or pornographers to US law enforcement.

Spyware - Files downloaded from the Internet using applications such as Ares Lite may contain spyware that can track your online activity or control your computer. These files will typically be disguised and be undetected by average computer users. Ares Lite is a free opensource project and doesn't include any bundled spyware or adware. Click here for information about the difference between adware and spyware and how this P2P software application can help you avoid spyware.

Viruses - Files downloaded from the Internet using applications such as Ares Lite may carry computer trojans, worms, or viruses that can potentially damage your computer or cause other harms. These files will typically be mislabeled to disguise their true purpose. Click here for information about how this P2P software application can help you avoid computer viruses.

For more information, Ares Galaxy strongly recommends that the public consult the Federal Trade Commission's website at www.ftc.gov/infosecurity and the Commission's Consumer Alert at www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/idsalrt.htm.