Running a Upload Service, Need Advice

[Chirantha]

Hi,

I have started / going start a upload Service again. But this time I pay for the hosting.

I have some experience on running an upload and I specialize on making upload management software. These Software I make, make my work easy such as marking reviewed files. Monitoring Bandwidth, Space Usage, downloads. Also suspending files putting a reason for it (So user can see why it was suspended). Also logging real IP even when behind Proxies

Ok with all that power of control I never use the so called Cpanel file manager. Yet the problem I face is Illegal files....... Mp3, mp4, porn and other sexual or hate, warez, cracks related content. Fine I can stop those file types from being uploaded but people use zip and password Protected Zip's where I have to spend allot of time cracking the archive to find that its a Copy of GTA3 - Vice City is inside. I really have no control over it!!! My only option is to delete the protected zip files hoping that it is illegal content.

I allowed mp3 uploading when I first started the upload and then illegal mp3 files came from every where and my host had to contact the RIAA to stop it.

Now I should get to the point.

I have a Terms of Service it is a really simple, and a one that even a child can read (Spelling checked). The problem is how does a file host like rapidshare.de run? As I heard they have a tons of illegal warez and cracks. Is it because of there TOS. The only thing I want is a safer upload for people. I have a bank account dedicated for the upload now and when the new upload come online all the ad revenue will go for the server changes and for package upgrades.

How can I stop the FBI and RIAA coming after me. But I state in TOS that the file is the responsibility of the uploading user not us but yet I might be the guy in trouble.

Give advice on what to do

Thank you,
Chirantha

Edit : Spelling Checked!

[WL-Michael]

Well use your TOS as much as you can. Ultimately, check your files, if it is password protected dont just delete it. I dunno, tough call with these type of sites. Otherwise, I think some of those other sites are ran in other countries... anyone care to comment as I may be wrong.

[Matt8]

Do a lot of monitoring. I run a very small upload service, and I just keep an extremely good eye on it and delete anything questionable and ban the originating IP.

There is automated stuff out there that can search for .mp3 files or what not, but it doesnt help you if they change the file extension most of the time. I'm afraid there just isn't a solution to idiots that are dead on set on ruining free hosts.

[LM-Neil]

Buy your webspace from a company which has its servers in Sweden so you won't have to worry about this. :P

[Brandon]

I had a program that removed zip and rar and tar.gz passwords...used it for awhile to check files, forgot the name...let me find it :P
EDIT:
Here it is...
They raised the price a bunch though...
http://www.elcomsoft.com/archpr.html?src=prog_archpr

[Eclouds]

Actually it is quite a hard task to do, monitoring every file is very time consuming. I run XtraFile (File Hosting as well) and I have to check every time that I am online through the admin panel and see what files were uploaded in the last couple of hours. Now my script registers the original filename so I can see what others can't (users use HASH to download) so it is much quicker to do it that way. Rapidshare is run in Germany, it all depends on the local laws where the server is located. I know that Holland isn't very strict about that =)

[Dub]

VPS or Dedicated Server is generally required. As you will need a great deal of bandwidth and space.

Dub.

[TJR Networks]

How can I stop the FBI and RIAA coming after me. But I state in TOS that the file is the responsibility of the uploading user not us but yet I might be the guy in trouble.
Contact a lawyer for a definitive answer on this sort of thing. Ultimately it is your responsibility to make sure no-one is using your services to break the law. However, if you are planning on running a free upload service (rather than paid) then you do leave yourself much more open to abuse. :)