Two identical files, however, would have the same hash. The hash is like a fingerprint for that file. If the hash function is perfect (if it doesn't have any collisions), every file that goes through it will generate a unique hash. Basically, this function takes the contents of a file, applies some crazy maths to it, and then a long hash string comes out of it (something like 31d55cf1d40f3cc7e82356b764669b84).

Plus, if Dropbox can stop you from sharing copyrighted content, what's the stop the company from selling out and telling the feds?īefore we get into that, though, let me quickly run through how Dropbox prevents you from sharing copyrighted stuff.Īs you may know, in computer science terms, a hash is a long string of letters and digits that results from running something (usually a file) through a cryptographic hash function. At first, this sounds rather sensible - otherwise Dropbox just becomes the next RapidShare or Mega - but when you think about it some more, your assent slowly turns to outrage as you realize that Dropbox must be scanning all of your files, and working with copyright holders, to put a stop to your dirty pirating ways.

Over the weekend, it emerged that Dropbox has the ability to stop you from publicly or privately sharing copyrighted content - in other words, Dropbox has a system in place that prevents piracy.

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