They have several songs available, which are all copyrighted, for download. For example, logging onto Mp3.com and downloading a song by delirious, a popular group from the UK. In this case the copyright holder is allowing the free distibution of their work by posting it themselves and controlling the distrobution. Downloading copyrighted songs, which have been made available by the artist for free download.It is also illegal, and you could face prosecution. The same thing applies for burning compact discs of music that you have not purchased.Once you obtained the work of music on your computer you would be in posession of copyrighted material which you did not pay for, and thus this would be illegal, and you could face prosecution. For example, logging on to Audiogalaxy or Napster and downloading the newest song by Matchbox 20 (which is copyrighted like 99% of the music on Audiogalaxy and Kaaza). Downloading music files which are copyrighted that you do not hold the copyright to.

So, according to copyright law, here is the breakdown for what is illegal and legal. To go one step further, even though some music files are copyrighted, the artists freely give away and provide the songs for download on the internet. Some music files are copyrighted, some are not. This is why the answer was both yes and no. According to copyright law, distribuiting or obtaining a copyrighted work (such as a music file) without the permission of the copy right holder is against the law. But may I remind you that often what is popular is not right, and what is right is not popular. The things I write below are not popular. This personal experience has taken a part in leading me to these conclusions. Before we begin, I must say that I have downloaded and possesed several gigabytes of music which I did not own the copyrights to, which I have all since deleted. When I say mp3 file, I am refering to any type of downloadable music file, including liquid audio, real audio etc. I am not a lawyer, nor a professional in this field, but I have done research and feel that is necessecary to post this information for all to see on the world wide web. Is mp3 downloading legal or illegal? Is 'lending' mp3 files legal or illegal? Is it right or wrong? These are all questions that I will attempt to answer. Is downloading them legal? And more importantly, is it right? MP3 Facts, version 0.1ĭespite the demise of Napster, mp3 trading is increasing at a rapid rate.

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