Sometimes there is confusion on what exactly is illegal about file sharing and how it affects users. This video gives an example as to what can happen when someone gets busted for file-sharing through the internet.
The questions that arise from the video (that now I am no longer sure if I illegally embedded into my blog) start as soon as Jessie Hirsh opens his mouth. Why is file-sharing illegal? How is it different from any other form of file-sharing? It it illegal only because it infringes on profits not being made in the music industry?
In an article by District Attorney Frtiz Dolak, he breaks down what it is about file sharing that makes it so naughty. “P2P (Peer2Peer) audio file sharing is illegal because of the U.S. Copyright Law. Owners of a copyright are guaranteed six exclusive rights under the Copyright Law and two of those exclusive rights are the right to control copies and distribution of those copies.” That makes sense, right? Here’s my question though: what if I purchase my music online and then make mix ‘ for friends? Where is the illegality in that? If I paid for it, aren’t the rights of the distributor null and void? The issue present now is the loss of revenue for the music industry when I simply give away music. The potential gains lost by my friend not purchasing the music themselves is a threat. When you think that buying one song on iTunes costs $.99 and a portion of that goes to the record label, artist, etc., multiply that by the MILLIONS of songs not being purchased and that is a significant loss for those who would otherwise be making money.
So how do companies pick and choose particular file sharers to go after? If someone showed up on my doorstep with court orders saying I was being sued by Epic Records for illegally downloading the entire Fiona Apple discography, I’d be a little miffed.
I think that you will be spared thanks to fair use, but I agree! People are entitled to compensation for their intellectual property but sometimes it seems like the greed of people have made it insane. I was in a mix tape club a while back and we traded CD’s every month. I can’t imagine going to prison or being fined $million because I responded to Octobers “Dance Craze” themes mix swap! People like us are sharing good music, it’s not like we are in a concert recording and selling bootleg versions on the street.
I think that it is fair that the person got in trouble for the theft. However, I feel like it is like speeding, when and if you get caught you have too pay, but they have to catch you first.
How do they pick? It’s random.
It would seem to make sense to go after people that are sharing the most, but that isn’t historically what has been publicized.
And aside from that… let’s be real: going after consumers only hurts you in the long run.
It hasn’t stopped me and the millions of others out there still pirating music.