I have many friends that use limewire, but I have not dowloaded it or used it yet because I always thought it was illegal. So my question is, is limewire illegal? Will I get into trouble by the law if I use it? What if I am using it just for myself, without sharing it with others??
2006-08-27 11:47:42 · 15 answers · asked by Camille S 1 in Entertainment & Music ➔ Music
I think its just heavily monitored, my guy is from the geek squad and says to use mininova.org now
2006-08-27 11:49:33 · answer #1 · answered by cassiepiehoney 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, the program Limewire isn't illegal. However, you can use it to download/share copyrighted material and that would be using it for an illegal purpose; unless you have the written consent of the owner to do so. If you do use it and are one of the few people that get caught then there are heavy fines for illegal file sharing. However if you only use it to legally download files, you won't have much to choose from. All of the lawsuits I have heard of involve only those who share the files, not those that download them. I have heard many tricks to make it supposedly legal again, such as unchecking the share files box in options or moving all the files to a different folder. If you move them into a different folder plausible deniablility can sometimes get you out of it. For instance, claiming that you burned a CD (that you paid for in cash and threw the receipt away) to your computer and then the CD broke, so you threw it away too. This would be less likely to work the more music you had and I don't advise you try it. The fines I think go up to several thousand dollars per song, so it really isn't worth it.
Just thought I would add that if you choose to download movies, the fines are even higher than songs, especially if the movie isn't in theaters yet.
2006-08-27 19:02:33 · answer #2 · answered by albinopolarbear 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, it's not (yet). What you download may be illegal for you to own without paying for it, but the program itself is OK. As for getting in trouble, i've been using it for years and never had a problem. Then again I don't share anything that's of questionable legal status (mp3's, movies, etc).
2006-08-27 19:07:03 · answer #3 · answered by Mr. Bojangles 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I use it for downloading either a single from an artist which you can't buy anymore or downloading from a band that split up or from an artist that's dead. I don't think it's fair that if they are no longer together, the record company get most/all of the profits. I download some stuff but today I bought a couple of CDs because they were old and cheap.
It is technically legal if you do not download anything copyrighted like songs and videos. It is supposedly for sharing files only but it is secretly intended for music and videos.
I also download tv stuff because it's on tv anyway but I can watch it in my own time. Also, because I live in England, I'll get stuff from America that's not here for time.
2006-08-27 18:56:11 · answer #4 · answered by anon1mous 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You hit on some good things.
Limewire itself isn't illegal. Using it to download copywrited music is illegal.
It's my perception that those who get in trouble, are sharers, not personal-use downloaders. When I say "sharers" I mean people who share files with others. Sharing can be turned off by checking a box in the options of the program.
2006-08-27 18:55:21 · answer #5 · answered by Paul 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Many great answers...
The laws are pretty technical & detailed, & of course come w/ loopholes (which explains why it's still available!)
In a nutshell (just my basic understanding) : don't get caught sharing files, especially any you've downloaded.
A friend of my Lego's got in some trouble (which made me happy cuz I can't stand her! LOL!); she's just your average, ordinary citizen, who evidently got randomly checked up on, & was threatened w/ a lawsuit.
Proceed w/ caution.
2006-08-27 19:04:39 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You'll get pro and con opinions on this question, probably equally divided. Also these kind of laws governing this could change without the widespread public even being aware of it. Approach with caution if you are considering doing this. Legal issues are not subject to opinion.
Also are there moral issues with your doing this? For example are you robbing the artists of their earned and due royalties?.
2006-08-27 18:55:34 · answer #7 · answered by Stratobratster 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes it is illeagal but how can they catch you for using it?? Some of my friends use it 2.... I tryed it a few times right after i got my mp3 player and I didnt like it because it made my computer go so slow so i uninstalled it and im glad I did.... You should really find another way to get music!!
2006-08-27 18:50:55 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
the program itself isnt illegal, but SOME songs,software and videos loaded onto limewire are
2006-08-27 18:49:57 · answer #9 · answered by brittany b 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
record companies charging 20 bucks a CD should be illegal
2006-08-27 18:55:45 · answer #10 · answered by WeezyBaby 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
yes it is illegal and u can be put in prison 4 12 years if you are caught using it so dont
2006-08-27 18:52:36 · answer #11 · answered by stevieboynewman@btinternet.com 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋