Does anyone legally buy music anymore? My guess is yes but very few compared to those who illegally share and download music from the web or from a friend. Even popular music site Limewire has been shut down, as it provided free and unlimited downloads, proved as a site that “gyped” major music companies and artists. The limewire web site even has a warning on the front page that advises people to prohibit the use of using any limewire software and from downloading music specifically implying to do so is illegal.
Now web sites like Amazon are selling MP3 music files and are rightfully charging people to buy the music legally. Ever heard of DRM? DRM is basically a protective seal around the MP3 music file so that it’s not completely open to do what the user pleases. In terms of music piracy, what more can companies really do to protect their files? DRM is something I’ve never heard of, but the common ways to punish those who download free music include being sued and paying extensive fines.
Although DRM is included in some forms of music files, there is no complete protection against music piracy. There aren’t music piracy police that are going to constantly look over someone’s computer to see if they are illegally downloading music. The only thing that companies that sell music can do is constantly protect their files. Without violating internet users privacy too much, I think that it is fitting that free downloading web sites are shut down. Is there any other ways that music piracy can be reduced or eliminated without compromising the privacy of the public?
Think about it,
Jefo
