A Moral Dilemma: Open letter to Gnutella community

[innoval]

InnoVal Systems Solutions, Inc. will modify its original filter design so that it does not block the propagation of queries or query responses that are being passed through the computer on their way to other computers on the Gnutella network. The filter will, however, prevent children from originating inappropriate queries and, more importantly, from seeing inappropriate query responses to their own queries. This will be done in a way that will have no adverse effect on the network or any running servents (server/clients).

There remain two problems: One, inappropriate queries are visible in the monitor windows of servent applications. Two, by not blocking propagation, inappropriate queries will reach the servent and, in theory, allow the user to share a file that a parent, implicitly or explicitly, does not want shared. We are exploring two options:

1) Provide two APIs: The first API would test for the filter and determine if it is running in lock down mode. The second API would test any query to determine if an upload is appropriate. This approach would require voluntary cooperation by servent developers. In addition we would provide Java classes for the Java-based servents running with Windows runtime environments. We would produce a public standard to encourage other filter companies to do likewise so that a single call would work with any servent that chooses to incorporate this feature.

2) Do all propagation at the filter level of those queries and query responses that are deemed to be inappropriate and do so in full accordance with Gnutella specification and protocol. This is more foolproof but requires that the filter become a surrogate-servent. Architecturally, this is a poor idea and it introduces a liability for introducing down-stream error. For instance, BearShare, sends messages to other BearShare servents.

We value advice from the user community and from Gnutella developers and are open to other suggestions on these problems.

We are also exploring several ways to benefit the Gnutella community with out technology. The filter, having no propagation blocking, would be beneficial to some users who want to limit visibility of responses beyond what is provided for in some servents. We might strengthen some of the algorithms, particularly as they apply to spam and hijacking (a special, growing and difficult problem). Another option, high on our list, is to give the user the option to hide himself or herself from web-based “search engines.” (It is ironic that some people recommended propagation blocking queries from these engines, which we will not do). Web-based search engines, as of now, do nothing to contribute to sharing. We are also examining several “share incentive” options. We are looking at chat, instant messaging, server-side-meta-assisted search for people who want to share in a more robust way, etc. We might also provide support for creating alternate networks/channels that would work with all servents. All of this can be accomplished at the filtration-technology level without having any adverse effect on any servents. We will soon be blocking other P2P networks as well. Since they are proprietary we will likely block them completely leaving Gnutella the only open channel for young people whose parents, schools, etc. choose to filter. Again, we would appreciate advice.

In an attempt to head off inappropriate and irresponsible filtration methods from other companies we might publish filter standards for Gnutella. We would like assistance from the Gnutella servent development community on this and from some of the users who want to see a responsible approach to filtering. It would certainly help the Gnutella community with “image,” if and when congressional investigations or sub-committee hearings take place, if an industry initiative is in place and an optional filter is available.

Okay. We will shortly provide a prerelease version of RiFilter. (See screenshot at http://innoval.com/rifilter/screenshot.htm ). It will not block propagation. Our website will be updated over the weekend to reflect this change. You convinced us. Some of you may think you did so with threats and rude letters. Maybe so. I like to think it was the reasonable people with good suggestions and persuasive arguments. Regardless, thank you for your input.

Dan Porter, President
InnoVal Systems Solutions, Inc.