Sen. Klobuchar introducing legislation to protect file sharers

DFL Sen. Amy Klobuchar says Congress needs to bolster consumer protections when it comes to computer file sharing networks.

Peer-to-peer networks allow computer users to do everything from play games with each other to share music and video files. But Klobuchar says the technology can compromise personal information.

"Because file sharing programs encourage users to share the files on their computers, many users end up unintentionally sharing personal documents such as tax returns governments, medical forms, confidential business files and classified government documents," Klobuchar said.

Klobuchar says that's causing major problems for individuals, businesses and government agencies.

"Inadvertent file sharing over P2P networks has led to widespread identify theft, medical fraud, child predators, copyright violations and national security threats," she said.

The legislation Klobuchar is proposing would ensure file sharing programs can not be installed without the clear consent of an authorized computer user.

It would also prevent such software from blocking efforts to remove them and it would give the Federal Trade Commission enforcement authority.