Music labels change approach to illegal downloads - Euroslot - the independent voice of the amusement and gambling industry

Music labels change approach to illegal downloads

Published: 12 February, 2009

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) will end its five-year program of filing copyright infringement lawsuits against individuals who illegally download songs on their computers. Using a new tactic, the RIAA will work in cooperation with Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to curtail the practice.

Alleged download violators will receive warnings from the RIAA. If, after the warning, the illegal downloads continues, the ISPs may cut off service.

Since, 2004, the RIAA has filed 35,000 copyright suits. However, despite most cases settling out of court, analysts claim they did not deter the actions. One legal expert accused the RIAA of abusing the federal court system, trying to use it as an intimidating "collection agency".

Nielsen Soundscan research reveals that digital music sales rose 28% in 2007, passing the $1 billion mark. RIAA's data also shows increased activity in 2007. Consumers downloaded 809.9 million singles, a 38.1% increase over 2006. Also, 42.5 million albums were downloaded in 2007, compared with 27.6 million in 2006, meaning a 54% increase.

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