BitThief is a Java

Java (programming language)

Java is a programming language originally developed by James Gosling at Sun Microsystems and released in 1995 as a core component of Sun Microsystems' Java platform. The language derives much of its syntax from C and C++ but has a simpler object model and fewer low-level facilities...

-based BitTorrent client designed to download from, but not upload to, BitTorrent networks. It is freeware

Freeware

Freeware is computer software that is available for use at no cost or for an optional fee, but usually with one or more restricted usage rights. Freeware is in contrast to commercial software, which is typically sold for profit, but might be distributed for a business or commercial purpose in the...

 and cross-platform

Cross-platform

In computing, cross-platform, or multi-platform, is an attribute conferred to computer software or computing methods and concepts that are implemented and inter-operate on multiple computer platforms...

. According to the BitThief homepage, it is intended as a proof of concept

Proof of concept

A proof of concept or a proof of principle is a realization of a certain method or idea to demonstrate its feasibility, or a demonstration in principle, whose purpose is to verify that some concept or theory that has the potential of being used...

 that there are weaknesses in the current BitTorrent protocol, which can be exploited by "cheating" BitTorrent clients (such as BitThief itself).

Criticism

WiredWebmonkey, a website operated by Wired

Wired (magazine)

Wired is a full-color monthly American magazine and on-line periodical, published since January 1993, that reports on how new and developing technology affects culture, the economy, and politics...

Digital, called BitThief "straight-up nefarious and wrong."

External links

• BitThief homepage
• BitThief Downloads Torrents Without Uploading, TorrentFreak