[November 19, 2009] Bono Mack Praises Effort to Prevent Inadvertent File Sharing on P2P Network Tweet Nov 19, 2009 (Congressional Documents and Publications/ContentWorks via COMTEX) -- Washington, Nov 18 - Calling attention to major security and privacy risks associated with popular peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing programs, Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (CA-45) today called attention to Congressman Edolphus "Ed" Towns' (NY-10) efforts to restrict the use of P2P software in the Federal government. Bono Mack, a recognized leader in raising awareness about the dangers involved with using P2P networks, first drew attention to this issue when she introduced the Informed P2P User Act in 2008. This legislation, which Bono Mack reintroduced in the current Congress (H.R. 1319), passed in the House Energy and Commerce Committee on Sept. 30, 2009. "Restricting the use of P2P on federal computers is a positive step towards ensuring that sensitive information doesn't fall in the wrong hands," said Bono Mack. "Major incidents involving national security details and the release of personal data prove that P2P programs put far too much at risk. "People need to know that by using a P2P file sharing program, they could be inadvertently sharing ALL of their personal files, including medical records, bank statements and tax returns, with anyone on the network. "Too much has been compromised already; it's time that we take action that will better protect consumers online and keep our national secrets safe. I commend Congressman Towns for his recognition of the dangers associated with using P2P software on Federal government computers. "I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress on this very important issue and urge swift passage of the Informed P2P User Act to ensure that everyone who uses P2P file sharing programs is fully aware of the risks involved." #DAL1234# [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]