Urban Gospel Network: Music Piracy
THE FACTS ABOUT DOWNLOADING, FILE SHARING, AND CD BURNING
DEFINITION
Music piracy is any form of unauthorized duplication and/or distribution
of music including downloading, file sharing, and CD-burning.
BOTTOM LINE : It's Stealing
Stealing music is the same as stealing anything else. It is illegal
and the consequences are real - for you and for the music.
- Stealing music is against the law.
- Stealing music betrays the songwriters and recording artists who create it.
- Stealing music stifles the careers of new artists and up-and-coming bands.
- Stealing music threatens the livelihood of the thousands of working people—from recording engineers to Christian music retailers and their staffs —who are employed in this ministry.
EFFECTS ON YOU
Music piracy doesn't just affect the music industry, it affects you
as well. When you use software that facilitates illegal downloads,
you open your computer to unwanted pornography, security breaches,
and viruses. Illegal downloading and file-sharing is also subject
to federal prosecution. Here are a few facts:
- The RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) can sue for as much as $150,000 per song illegally downloaded.
- Almost 2000 individuals have been sued by the RIAA for illegally downloading as of March, 2004.
- More than 400 individuals have settled, paying fines averaging $3000.
- The Department of Justice recently announced the creation of the Intellectual Property Task Force, which examines all aspects of how the DOJ handles intellectual property issues.
EFFECTS ON ARTISTS & THEIR MINISTRY
The explosion in illegal copying is affecting the entire music community.
It has a very real and harmful impact on virtually everyone - from
countless musicians, songwriters, performers, producers, recording
engineers and others who use music as their platform for ministry.
A message from the Gospel Music Association
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