By Ali Raza image from pixabay here.
Major pirate websites are looking towards cryptocurrency mining scripts to generate funds, but the implementation of this has begun a lot of debate amongst users.
Since the discovery of The Pirate Bay implementing a cryptocurrency mining script in its code, cryptocurrency mining has become more and more associated with pirated media downloading platforms. Implementing a mining script could be an innovative solution to the economic problems that private hackers face.
The latest use of mining script would generate revenue for the site. Instead of uploading or downloading freely, the amount of cryptocurrency mined will now serve as a user’s credit to “buy” content.
The debate on using this method has exploded ever since The Pirate Bay was the first to implement a mining script for a trial period.
Popular pirate sites intend to embed software into their websites. This software, or mining script, will utilize the user’s CPU cycle to create funds for the particular website.
However, this suggestion has received ample criticism.
Most critics have based their arguments on the issue of consent. Certain websites did allow the user to choose whether they want to be involved. However, many websites have implemented the script without notifying or asking the user. In response, several site administrators likened the implementation of a mining script to advertisements. A user’s consent is not required for them to display advertisements, so why should this be different when it comes to mining scripts?
The debate sparked controversy amongst users worldwide, until one Reddit user recently came up with a viable solution.
Just last week a Reddit user posted a screenshot of a reputable private tracker. This website also implemented a mining script, but this script gave something back to its users.
The first way in which this mining script differs from others is that it gives the user the choice of whether or not they want to be involved. The user can control if they want mine, and can stop the process at any time. There are also additional control settings such as how many CPU threads the user is willing to commit to mining, as well as a percentage utilization selector.
The second way in which the mining script is unique is the fact that the mining affects the user’s “upload credit.” Without upload credit, a user is unable to download any content.
Uploading credit has been another point of debate amongst users. While upload credit is essential to be able to download content, many users often go into an undesirable deficit due to either the tracker’s economy or a simple lack of resources.
Previously, certain websites have allowed users to donate money to receive more upload credit, but now this site offers the user to use their mining efforts to trade-in for upload credit.
For many users, this innovative usage of mining credit was a lucrative option.
Currently, the private tracker system works in such a way that users can “mine” uploading credits by donating bandwidth to other site users. However, this new method will give users the opportunity to mine cryptocurrency and be able to convert that to uploading credit. At the same time, the site operator can also generate some funds.
Other private tracker sites have also shown innovation in implementing mining scripts. Another site, in particular, had full transparency of their mining script system towards the users. However, it is still uncertain whether this mining script was forced or optional.
The site also displayed the total number or users mining and hashes solved per minute. In addition to this, the site also published a Top 10 list of users who mine the most. This small publication could prove to be a popular incentive to users.
While cryptocurrency mining has been the source of a lot of controversies as of late, innovative implementation of mining scripts could be the long-awaited answer to problems faced by both site administrators and users.
