Research page

Downloading Movies from the Net: Justified or Illegal?

(1) The creation of Napster, a peer-to-peer service that allows people to swap and exchange files on the Internet, has spurred an eruption of legal battles, ethical issues, and copyright infringement that has become the forefront of debate on Internet policy. However, Napster's fate has been doomed since the day it was born by creator, Shawn Manning. By offering a method for file sharing, Napster was a free for all tool to exchanging MP3 music files between those who had the program. Treading on the grounds of copyright infringement, Napster was prime for attacks by music industry moguls. Artists, such as Metallica, led a resistance against Napster claiming that Manning was bleeding away profits that should have gone to music artists. However, despite its defeat, Napster has paved way for other file sharing services such as Kazaa, Audiogalaxy, and Blubster.

The film industry, spearheaded by the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America), has been quick to denounce and rally against the many piracy issues that they claim as copyright infringement. Using services such as Kazaa allows users to download pirated versions of films taht can later be burned and sold in the streets for couple of dollars, literally. However, many users that advocate the use of file sharing services claim that they prices of films and CDs are overpriced. Why buy what you can get for free? On the other hand, there are financial consequences that result due to this form of online raiding. Countless millions have been lost in music and movie sales. What about artist rights in the music industry? Their fair share of money dissapates with each download and a loss of potential sale for their album.

As we sit here now, the battle rages on between the film and music industries against file sharing services. Be prepared to face some serious issues if movie industries do get their way. Censorship and privacy invasions are drawbacks if the film industry emerges the victor. For instance, Internet Providers can be forced to turn over any suspected pirate with a subpeona from any U.S. District Court clerk's office (2). There are plenty of arguments for both sides and no simple solution. As for me, I am still a struggling college student. I am gung-ho for free food and often times music as well.

Sources :

Napster: Gimme shelter in Chapter 11
http://news.com.com/2100-1023-930467.html
Article stating the defeat of Napster in court.
Source : CNET Networks, Inc. - CEO: Shelby Bonnie

Verizon asks judge to stay Internet ruling pending appeal
http://www.siliconvalley.com/mld/siliconvalley/5068289.htm
News article discussing a recent violation of privacy with Verizon and the music industry.
Source : Staff of the San Jose Mercury News