- Peer-to-peer programs and a variety of other mediums allow computer users to reproduce and redistribute songs created by musical artists very easily. These peer-to-peer downloads are not anonymous and no money goes to artists as a result of the downloading.
- Musicians, record companies, sound technicians and music stores lose money when potential customers choose to download music illegally. As a result, the Recording Industry Association of America and many musicians have filed lawsuits against people who illegally download their music.
- In the United States, the unauthorized reproduction, redistribution and adaption of music created by other artists is illegal. In addition to downloaders being subject to lawsuits for damages by record companies and musicians, they can also be subject to criminal penalties.
- Penalties for illegally downloading music vary depending on the circumstances of the copyright infringement. Distribution of ripped files carries heavier penalties than simply downloading files illegally for the downloader's own use. Downloaders can receive up to $250,000 in fines and several years in prison.
- Users who own music are free to rip that music for their own use. Users can also purchase music downloads. Musicians can also choose to offer their own music for free downloading and can also create music that is royalty-free.
