If you had to argue that music downloading should be legalized, what would be the basis of your argument?

Question

There is a big controversy over music downloading. Some people see peer-to-peer sharing as illegal. I can see why they say that, but i am supposed to be having a debate where i support that music downloading. I am not talking about the ethics behind music downloading, but only the legality. What are some facts or arguments i can make to back up my argument that music downloading and peer-to-peer sharing should be legalized?

What i forgot to add, is how do you base your argument on defending that FREE music downloading and peer-to-peer sharing should be legalized.

Answer 1

that if they were bought for, then its legal.
if they were obtained freely without hte singers/artists/companie's permission, then its illegal. its equivalent as to someone stealing a car or shoplifting the cd from a store

the advantage that these companes are seeing is if you make it cheap enough, people are willing to pay for hteir music.

Answer 2

Being able to record what you want for free.. Then have the ability to share it with others.. It's been going on for, ohhhhh well if I have to think that long then its been a while... There's the basis it's been free and shared long before peer-to-peer and downloads were even thought of....Tapes, 8 tracks or raido. Along side with the recorder, HELLO!!! Why should this situatin be different.. They can monitor us better than ever now, so why not.. It's not like they wont be ABLE TO TELL OR TO KNOW THEM SELVES WHAT YOU HAVE DOWNLOADED FOR FREE...

Answer 3

You could argue that if someone downloads one or two songs from a particular band and really likes them they are likey to go buy the whole CD anyway, which is often the case. It also opens up new musical taste opportunitys - by having more access to different music and wider variety. I still think bands deserve their cut of the money...but there I have said it from a debate point of view.

Answer 4

The Internet is all about sharing info,to stop this from happening they have to shut down the Internet.That's like cutting off your nose spite your face.Artists make a ton of money& there are more &more every year .I also fill that the quality of music is going down hill,theres no talent anymore just machines that make you sound better then you are.I wish I could help you more ,but this is just my opinion.Also people have always recorded music off the radio.Dose that mean there should be no radio as well?Give me a break.Talk about trying to take away ones freedom.

Answer 5

It's difficult to argue, because under international copyright law, what you are trying to defend is theft. You'll have to consider how stealing is not really a crime...

You might look for inspiration to the court decision in Canada that found DOWNLOADING is legal and protected under their constitution, whereas UPLOADING a file is a crime. Now there's a neat piece of double-think!

Answer 6

As someone else already mentioned, radio is one of the public domains. I don't know of anyone who, years ago, didn't pop a cassette in the tape deck and record their favorite songs off the radio and yet, we never were told it was illegal. Sharing your purchased music with anyone else should not be illegal and that is what most download sites consist of...shareware. Good luck with your debate!

Answer 7

It is legal to download. You're allowed a backup copy of anything you own. It's way too expensive for the entertainment companies to go after the downloaders, as they can't prove what they did is illegal.

But it is illegal to upload copyrighted files. That's who the lawyers are going after. I have first hand experience in this.

Answer 8

simple!it has been posted to public wit.although it is copywritten,those copy write should not apply to the actual product that you purchase.it's kinda like ford motor company being able to say you can only drive your car with their permission.once you buy something the title transfers to you.you are not sharing the original but,,a copy which was bought and paid for.

Answer 9

Music downloading for personal use is not illegal what is illegal is downloading for sale in commercial value.

Answer 10

well it seems to me that any thing that is broadcast and received without a subscription (on the radio) is public domain. i guess this wouldn't apply to entire albums though.

Possum