The Power of Intimidation

The government's recent crackdown on internet piracy file sharing is both frustrating yet understandable in some very rare instances.

I, personally, don't like it but we were due. This sorta thing has to happen every 7-10 yrs or so.

The list is growing, too. I'm witnessing many file storage/sharing sites voluntarily shutting down in order to avoid getting nailed by the feds. The intimidation factor is real, here. Some of our favorite sites have succumbed to the heat, such as MegaUpload, MegaShare, & btjunkie:(

Ok, so now it's not only affecting the "technologically inclined" who frequent many of these sites in search of files needed to mod and optimize their devices, such as smartphones and tablets, among others. It's affecting the way the developers working on 3rd party ROMS distribute applications such as the Google Apps package (Gapps) & what is included in it now. Mind you, I believe the biggest reason for the change in what is offered here is due to the fact that the Android OS has recently undergone a very big change so some of the stock apps in the package may not be completely compatible with earlier OS versions such as Gingerbread & Froyo. But the fact remains, that this is all quite obviously in direct relation to federal crackdowns.

Of course, there is a flipside...

For starters, for every 1 file sharing site shut down, 5 pop up in it's place. This isn't going to shut down the system at all but will most definitely force many of them to tighten things up a bit. Bummer. But something to consider is the fact that many of us have saved most if not all the files we've downloaded. Some of us have done so for different reasons, but mine has, without a doubt, been because I've seen this coming for quite some time. Many of us will continue to help other modders, hackers, enthusiasts in our endeavors by providing the files needed to accomplish whatever is needed but moving forward, it may be a bit more complicated securing newer files online.

Again, this happens every 10 yrs or so. Anytime things are made available for free over here, when so many people are paying for the same thing over here, eventually the government decides it doesn't have anything better to do and sticks its very long nose into places it doesn't necessarily belong. One word: LOBBYISTS.

For more information about the changes being made with the distribution of newer Google Apps packages and more, click the link below and read- courtesy of Rootzwiki....

Google Apps and Vanishing APKs - Addressing Best Practices in Software Distribution:

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