The original author described widespread file sharing in Spain and quoted an estimate of more than ten million daily users of technologies such as Kazaa, eMule and Azureus, later known as Vuze. That estimate belongs to the period discussed, not to a measurement of current use.
Choosing what to share
The article emphasised the user's ability to select which files and folders to make available. It presented that individual choice as central to the P2P model, then contrasted it with criticism from record companies, copyright organisations and artists opposed to unauthorised distribution.
The source strongly defended file sharing. Its claim that sharing was simply lawful in general was too broad: choosing a folder does not itself establish a right to distribute everything in it. This edition presents the author's position as a historical opinion.
The debate around the French model
A central section discussed what the author called the Sarkozy model. It described warnings issued through Internet providers and the possibility of a connection being cut after repeated allegations.
The author compared developments in France with the United States and United Kingdom and feared a similar approach in Spain. Those descriptions, predictions and comparisons record an argument made at the time. They are not a statement of the law or provider procedures in those countries today.
Different commercial interests
The article argued that record companies and collecting organisations wanted to protect revenue from cultural products, while Internet providers benefited from demand for faster connections. It also suggested that some artists might earn differently by working outside established distribution companies.
Its tone was openly critical of the recording industry. The economic claims should be read as the author's analysis, rather than independently measured facts about every business or artist.
Unexpected alliances
The conclusion described Internet providers and user organisations finding common ground despite having other disagreements. In the author's view, disputes over downloading created strategic alliances between groups that would not otherwise cooperate.
The article remains useful as a snapshot of a debate surrounding the early mass-market P2P era. For a current technical explanation, read how eMule works. Permission to obtain or share a file is a separate question from the operation of its network.