For years, music industry execs have been looking for a way to deter illegal music downloading. Thousands of people have been using peer-to-peer file sharing programs like LimeWire, Ares, Kazaa, and Gnutella to illegally upload and download MP3s. Others have used file hosting websites such as MediaFire, ZShare, MegaUpload, SupLoad, and UserShare to download and distribute music. As more and more of these programs and websites pop up, it is becoming increasingly difficult for record labels to keep track of where their music is being distributed illegally.
Of course, record labels want to put an end to such programs and websites. Universal Music Group Distribution (UMGD), in conjunction with the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), has already set up a website to encourage the public to take action and voice their concern to Congress about illegal music downloading. The website is MusicRightsNow.com. In a statement to Billboard, UMGD president/CEO Jim Urie stated, “We want to make our reps in Washington understand that this is a serious issue and to encourage the ISPs [Internet Service Providers] to come to the table.”
But what about the people who use these programs and sites for legit reasons? Granted, a lot of illegal file sharing does occur over these networks, but that is not to say it is all illegal. For example, independent artists might want to use these programs and websites to share new material with their fans for free. They may choose to use these types of systems for their own self-promotion. People don’t even have to be musicians to use these file sharing programs. Ordinary people might want to use these systems to share their personal photos, videos, or audio clips with their friends and family.
It is going to be very difficult targeting and punishing those guilty of illegal music downloading. It will also be interesting to see whether or not Congress takes a stand on the issue.
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