Definition

Downloading copyrighted music without permission is stealing. According to the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America), illegally downloading of music is the equivalent of shoplifting. In essence, it is taking something that does not belong to you.

Effects

Illegal acquisition of music (also known as music piracy) is damaging to the music industry. According to an analysis conducted by the Institute for Policy Innovation, global music piracy results in $12.5 billion in economic losses each year. Millions are also lost in income tax revenue, sales tax revenue and personal income. These losses are attributable to counterfeit physical CDs as well as illegal online downloads.

Considerations

Everyone involved in the production of the musical recording is affected by music piracy. This includes artists, producers, engineers and record label employees. Loss of income from illegal downloads means loss of jobs and a reduction in producing musical recordings.

Misconceptions

One of the biggest misconceptions about illegal downloading is that music holds no monetary value and therefore should be free. This theory dismisses the fact that musical recordings are not free to produce. As with any job, everyone involved in the production relies on compensation for their work.

Warning

Paying for downloads does not automatically make them legal. Downloading sites must be licensed by the RIAA. If a site is not licensed to distribute music legally, then downloading from that site is illegal, even if you have paid for the download.

Source:

RIAA FAQs

"Stealing Music: Is It Wrong or Isn't It?

Institute for Policy Innovation