Piracy and copyright infringement

Piracy and Copyright Infringement

When people download music and movies illegally they are breaking federal law and they should be prosecuted. This paper backs up that thesis statement with reliable resource information and appropriate updates on the law and the consequences of copyright violation.

Through it's student-centered "HelpDesk" Illinois State University (ISU) advises students enrolled in ISU classes that there are a number of companies offering streaming music for download legally (Shoutcast, Live365, and more), and there are companies that offer software for downloading music (Download.com, FilePlanet, among others), Helpdesk explains. There are also "Literally millions of songs" available for download using "P2P" software and "they are easy to get," the HelpDesk continues (HelpDesk, 2011).

For example any student can download a file-sharing program like uTorrent; once installed, this software can make a search for a student's favorite song or movie or artist, and download that favorite song, artist or film. However, "downloading copyrighted material without permission is illegal," the HelpDesk asserts, whether it has been obtained through file sharing or through other piracy-related strategies (p. 1).

A student might ask, "What's the big deal. It's easy, free, and fun," HelpDesk continues. The big deal is that it is against the law. The U.S. Copyright Office explains the law and how it applies to downloading music and movies without authorization:

"Copyright infringement occurs with a copyrighted work is reproduced, distributed, performed, publicly displayed, or made into a derivative work without the permission of the copyright owner" (U.S. Copyright Office). Those in violation of this law can face penalties such as fines and the holder of the copyright can even sue violators. This paper takes the position that violators who knowingly download (through P2P technologies or other sources) music and movies that are copyrighted should be held accountable by whatever means authorities can utilize. While this is not a crime equal to aggravated assault or perjury in front of a federal grand jury, it is a criminal offence and should be considered as such.

The University of Washington offers students guidance regarding the illegality of downloading music and movies without permission. After reviewing how easily available music and movies are through file sharing software technologies, the University points out that the user may be downloading material that is "…protected by copyright laws" and that means the user could become "mired in legal issues" (UofW). Moreover, the user may download a virus on the file-sharing software and may even "facilitate a security breach" -- which can have serious ramifications.

The other issue regarding use of file sharing is that "you may unknowingly allow others to copy private files you never intended to share," the university explains. Are students that download copyrighted material currently being prosecuted? The University of Washington reports that the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) is presently sending letters to colleges and universities "pointing to specific alleged instances of illegal file sharing," the university explains. The letter is titled "Pre-Settlement" and the RIAA requests that the university forward the letter to the student that the RIAA identifies as "being associated with the activity."