January 2004
Music industry dances to the tune of A Boy Named Sue
The decision by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) to issue legal proceedings against 500 individual users at the same time has not surprised the international umbrella organisation representing the music industry, the IFPI. The actions, against unnamed individuals, based only on email addresses, are intended to serve as a warning to members of the public who contemplate using illegal music download sites.
IPFI, stating that the move by the RIAA was "inevitable", added that the public's attitude had changed with regard to illegal file sharing. The IFPI cited a recent survey, which showed that 54% of European Consumers understood that file sharing was illegal, while 62% of UK customers understood that file sharing is illegal. These results came after high profile actions that occurred in the USA last year, where the RIAA sued individual file sharers.
BRIFFA Comment:
Those who feel that the music industry are overreacting in suing individuals for file sharing believe that the recording industry, in claiming that its sales have been reduced as a result of on-line piracy, are ignoring other factors for the drop in sales. Whether this is the case or not, if the recording industry can show that free and unlicensed file sharing is illegal, they are entitled to sue those who are in breach of the rights owned by the various industry groups. Whether this has the effect of improving music sales remains to be seen. The music industry also needs to forecast new business models that will ensure its survival in the Internet age.