Is sharing and downloading music files and videos illegal?
File-sharing is illegal when it involves copying or distributing copyrighted materials, usually music and movies, but also TV programs, text, games, software, and images, without permission from the copyright owner. Q: What kinds of activities violate the federal law? A: Here are some examples of copyright infringement that may be found on a network: • You make an MP3 copy of a song because the CD or audio file you bought expressly permits you to do so. But then you offer your copy online using a file-sharing program so others can download it. • You join a file-sharing network and download unauthorized copies of copyrighted music from the computers of other network members. • You make a movie or large segment of a movie available on a Web site without permission of the copyright owner. Q: How is copyright infringement detected? A: The representatives of copyright owners, such as the Recording Industry of America (RIAA) and the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), regularly sca
