BitTorrent’s disastrous, legendary, and controversial story
The article recounts the 25-year history of BitTorrent, the peer-to-peer file-sharing protocol created by Bram Cohen. It explores how the technology revolutionized internet traffic and piracy while struggling to become a profitable business.
Why it matters
BitTorrent fundamentally changed how digital content is distributed and remains a significant, albeit controversial, piece of internet infrastructure.
Twenty-five years ago today, a young, little-known programmer by the name of Bram Cohen fired off a short message to a mailing list for peer-to-peer enthusiasts. “My new app, BitTorrent, is now in working order, check it out here,” Cohen wrote, followed by a link to his personal website.
The article provides a historical overview of a technology company without taking a political stance.
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