The internet’s introduction of music downloading sites has changed the way that we consume music. It is now easier and more affordable for consumers to have the latest music they want from their own homes. However, it was illegal to download the music. Unfortunately this opened the doors to many others that remain today. It is up the consumer to learn which sites and services can be used legally and which ones are not. You can learn more about the legality and use of illegal music download sites by visiting the first popular illegal online solution.

The birth of illegal music downloads.

Napster, the first music sharing software, was launched in 1999. Shawn Fanning developed the technology, which allowed users to share music files without restrictions with other users. This would eliminate the need for legal music and allow anyone who can use a computer with simple software to get the music they desire. It quickly became apparent that the software violated copyright laws because it didn’t have permission from artists or labels to distribute these file.

Metallica, heavy metal band, discovered one their demo songs, “I Disappear,” was being circulated and played on some radio stations even before the song was ever released. They were among the first to sue Napster for copyright infringement. Dr. Dre also sued Napster asking for the removal all of Dre’s content from the site a month later. Napster was sued for massive copyright violations by several record labels and these acts were also filed against Napster.

The media covered the story, and indirectly made Napster even more popular. They put a spotlight on music filesharing and increased the number active users to 26 million in Napster’s final stages.

Napster filed for bankruptcy on June 3rd 2002. However, the damage was done. The internet was opened up to file sharing and online music listening. Following this incident, many software and imitation sites sprung up. Even today, illegal peer-to–peer file sharing solutions still offer illegal music downloading.

What is the legality of music download sites?

To provide legal music downloads, a music downloading site must follow certain principles. The site must have permission to distribute every music file from anyone who has the legal copyright or legally represents the music. This can be either an artist or the artists publishing company and/or, in most cases, the artist record label.

Napster took the copyrighted material and decided, without permission, to make these files free of charge. Both the artist and record companies were not compensated. This is the real problem. Music is like any other product. One person or a group of people spends time creating music or albums and then sell their product. To get the product you must pay a legal distributor. This will ensure that everyone who contributed to its creation gets paid. If they refuse, or if they don’t offer it for free, then you are stealing their product.

Music copyright laws prohibit the theft of songs Fakaza. These laws protect artists and labels and ensure they control who can distribute their artwork. In turn, they get paid when someone purchases a song or an album.

I didn’t know that the site was illegal. It’s not my fault.

However, you are responsible for it regardless of how you view it. All actions you take on music download sites or services are your own. There is a small loophole in file-sharing software and websites that allows users to legally use the files. As the author and sole owner of the copyright, I may distribute an eBook I created on the best music sites to download. I also have the option to post it on file-sharing software. As I do not seek any compensation, anyone can download it. In this situation, the user of the file-sharing software or website isn’t doing anything illegal.

When a user downloads music files that are copyrighted from artists or labels who are looking for compensation but have not given permission to distribute them, it could lead to legal trouble.

What is the best way to determine if a music site I download from is legal?

Any music site or service that offers music downloads must have a distribution agreement with the artist’s record label. If you’re looking for top 40 music, the majority of these artists are signed by one of the major record label companies: EMI (Warner Music Group), Sony Music Entertainment (Sony Music Entertainment) or Universal Music Group (Universal Music Group). These companies would require a distribution deal for a music downloading site to legally make the music available.

It is likely that a music site has taken the time to negotiate a distribution deal with all four major labels. If the agreement is not in writing, you can contact them to verify that they are legally authorized to distribute the music you want before downloading any files from them.