Comcast Blocks P2P File-Sharing

Comcast is deliberately preventing its customers from using file-sharing services like BitTorrent, eDonkey, and Gnutella, the AP reports. Thecountry's second-largest Internet service provider claims that it does not block "access" to P2P apps; that may be technically true. Tests by the AP showed that while downloads were unaffected, attempts to upload files using P2P were blocked—and those services depend on 2-way traffic.

Critics say the blocking highlights the need for "Net Neutrality" laws that would force ISPs to treat all traffic equally. And at least one of the affected companies says its just bad business. "They're using sophisticated technology to degrade service, which probably costs them a lot of money," the president of BitTorrent says. "It would be better to see them use that money to improve service." (More file sharing stories.)