Music Piracy

At the turn of the century, the world witnessed an incredible uprising of virtual communication; through sound, picture, and text. The internet, took the planet by storm, connecting people across borders, countries, and continents. Businesses boomed, and new ways of thought were freely expressed.

However, the internet has certainly had it’s criticism along with it’s praise. Recently, one of the biggest battles the internet has faced, has been the subject of music piracy. As any digital information can be freely shared through the internet, it is commonly asked where the line can be drawn. Distributing patented and copyrighted music freely on the internet, is, in fact, illegal; and although it can be argued that greater exposer to the artist, though any means, is beneficial, it is still insufficient for the record companies who distribute the music, and a number of the musicians that make it.

The first major battle against online music piracy officially started in 2001 in the A&M0 Records, Inc. V. Napster Inc. trial. Here's a leaked official RIAA training video produced with the National District Attorneys Association telling U.S. prosecutors why they should bust music pirates.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2DwTWJNk-k&feature=related

Napster, an online music file sharing network, was created by Northeastern University student Shawn Fanning in 1999. For two years it achieved immense popularity both from word of mouth and from the initial law suit from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pedo_Wna0T0

Napster, in the A&M Records trial, made the argument that a large sum of its users engaged in three kinds of “Fair Use”, which were: “Sampling”, where users make temporary copies of work before purchasing, “Spacing”, where users access a sound recording and alter it by means of time or content, and “Permissive Distribution”, where recordings by artists are allowed to be shared. Napster was however, found guilty of copyright infringement, and it’s service was shut down.

This was one of the first major public examples of the consequences of music piracy. This however, would not stop individuals from pursuing their musical desires. Programs, such as Soulseek and Limewire, still provide access to free music and at an incredible amount. Music companies have not abandoned the internet to the rouge though. Services like Itunes, Rhapsody, and others provide a large range of music prescribed at their own prices.

The question is constantly asked, is it ethical to illegally download music? Music, after all, is more or less, made to inform, inspire, and teach the listener with it’s message. Many musicians, especially amateurs, are appreciative just to have their music out there and wrapped around someone’s ears. To the music industry, that‘s not enough, and they have every legal right to believe so. We asked Hugo Macario, school teacher and musician, his thoughts on music piracy:


Constantly, people are discovered and charged for being a music pirate. It takes only a minimal amount of research to locate a single individual. Once exposed, sed pirate is sued and made to pay a large fine in addition to the cost of songs downloaded. A pirate, whom wishes to remain anonymous, shared his or her thoughts on the subject:


One thing is certain, this “theft” will not stop. So as long as there is any physical or virtual location where one can share his or he ideals or beliefs and music, it will continue. As will the distributors and artists who call the product their own. Whether or not downloading music is right or wrong, it is the people’s decision to choose what path to take, and whether or not the music is really worth the usual $14.99.