Final answer:
Peer-to-peer file sharing was initiated by Napster in 1999, revolutionizing digital media consumption.
Step-by-step explanation:
Peer-to-peer file sharing began in 1999 with the launch of a service called Napster. Napster was revolutionary, laying the groundwork for how consumers would later download music and videos.
It was part of a broader movement at the time that saw the rise of online communication and file-sharing platforms. Services like CompuServe and AOL provided gateways to early internet users, leveraging the burgeoning network. The success of Napster marked a turning point in the digital distribution of media.