We Want MP3 Files

You may have noticed this year that Santa’s bag of gifts contained lots of electronic toys, and more specifically mp3 players and iPods. Many people are now toting these electronic marvels that allow one to store an unbelievable amount of music. The question facing many of the new users is, “Where can I get a bunch of MP3 files?”

It is a valid question and many have found the answer to be the Internet. There are established music download sites on the web, such as Napster, iTunes, Yahoo, MSN, Wal-Mart and many more places. Most of these sites charge per song downloaded.

The other online option is to tap into the peer-to-peer network with programs such as LimeWire, BitTorrent or many other options you can find with a search. These programs tap into a network that will have you downloading files from other personal computers. This interconnected maze of connections will lead you to a huge collection of music and it is free. However it is in this realm you will also discover a complication that has risen for some people. The programs are perfectly legal, but some of the music you find to download will not be. The RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) has been working hard for several years to stop technology users from selecting download when they are not allowed to.

The issue of music copyright can get quite complicated with the Internet, especially since MP3 files are global. There is an online company in Russia called AllofMP3 that has interpreted Russian copyright law in a way that allows them to distribute copyrighted MP3 files legally. This article will explain how that can be. As of the end of 2006, AllofMP3 was standing by their legal position, and I’m sure we’ll hear more on this in 2007.

I mentioned BitTorrent earlier. Some people have used these types of programs to share pirated songs and movies. For the first time someone who shared files through BitTorrent has actually been arrested and put in prison. A Chinese citizen used BitTorrent to upload three movies to the Internet. He also used an online chat room to inform others of the movies and gave instruction how to download them. He was sentenced to three months in prison, even though he had made no profit from the movies.

Certainly laws are to be obeyed, as the pirated music business impacts many people. The RIAA and other such organizations have benefited from strict copyright laws for many years. Technology has brought significant changes and, in my opinion, it is time for music copyright issues to change as well. The RIAA is not looking for change; rather they are digging in and going after individuals with legal action. Similar to RIAA, the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) is also digging in their heals. If you ever wondered to what extent these organizations would go to guard their money, read hear about their desire to control your home theater .

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