How to Learn About the Penalty for Illegally Downloading Music

Transferring files from one user to another without the consent of the copyright owner is the common definition of illegally downloading music. The problem of copyright infringement in music started with bootleg concert tapes in the 1960s and 1970s. Copyright infringement through illegal downloads has become rampant with the growth of the Internet. Since penalties are being enforced much more than in the early days of the Internet, it's important for users to understand the penalties for these actions.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Don't hesitate to consult with an attorney. Since standards and precedents change rapidly in the field of intellectual property, you can get the best information by speaking with an expert. Intellectual-property lawyers are available pro bono through the American Bar Association Web site (see Resources below).

2. Provide input and collect information on pending legislation from your elected officials. Your state representatives will help constituents understand the current legislative landscape dealing with music downloads. Federal representatives have significant resources to educate individuals on the current debate over the legitimacy of filesharing and downloads.

3. Discuss the penalty and legal issues associated with music downloads in an online forum. There are a variety of advocacy organizations that sponsor online forums among concerned citizens. Individuals who receive notices from the FBI or the Department of Justice can warn others about the legal process as they go through it. The Electronic Frontier Foundation is one such organization (see Resources below).

4. Learn the perspectives of state and federal Justice Departments through their respective Web sites. Copyright laws and other issues of intellectual property are typically addressed by federal agencies. Many people are surprised to learn the leeway that state officials have in enforcing a penalty on residents for downloading copyrighted material.

Tips & Warnings

• Pay special attention to information on the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) Web site (see Resources below). This organization represents the concerns of musicians and music labels about piracy and copyright infringement. The RIAA Web site features a special section on piracy that should be read by all Internet users. Since this agency is the one behind most of the lawsuits against infringers, it pays to be up-to-date on their efforts to stop piracy.
• Avoid penalties for illegally downloading music levied by universities throughout the United States. The RIAA and FBI's campaign against copyright infringement has taken place largely on university campuses, where file sharing is common. Universities are cooperating with these campaigns and adding other penalties at an academic level.