What is illegal file-sharing?
Illegal file-sharing is the distribution of online content, such as music or films, without the permission of the relevant rights holders. The most widespread activity of this nature is conducted over peer-to-peer (P2P) networks. Traditionally, music sites, such as BitTorrent and Limewire, have enabled users to download and share unlimited content without paying a fee to the record labels. The increase in popularity of P2P networks offering legitimate content offerings, such as the BBC’s iPlayer, has gone some way towards helping content owners compete with illegal downloads, but this illegal activity remains a significant industry concern. In 2007, 6.5m people in the UK (i.e. 25 per cent of UK internet users) engaged in online music “piracy”, according to a study commissioned by the BPI (the industry body that represents the British recorded music business). This study also estimated that the cumulative cost to the music industry over the next five years of this illegal activity will
