If you download songs from other countries using LimeWire is it still illegal?

Answer 1

Technically the act of using Limewire/Kazaa/Morpheus or any other P2P file sharing system IS PERFECTLY LEGAL. However, the act of sharing copyrighted music is what the authorities will prosecute for, as you are allowing other users to download something which they should pay for, for free.

The act of downloading music which is being shared by other users, is illegal, however the authorities will prosecute those who are sharing a "significant amount of music" - like drugs they will go after the DEALERS not the USERS.

Answer 2

Well mate u r asking the right person...

I am a musician and am very happy to have people download my music for free. How else will I ever become known??? Particularly as I write in the alternative genre in a country (Australia) without a huge industry.Way less than 1% of acts ever get signed and of those few earn any money from record sales. In fact it is common practice for companies to sign up bands and NOT promote them in order to stop competition with their existing bands.I could go on and on about the corruption of the recording industry (sony make a lot of money from weapons commmunications sales)I have started to self publish on Limewire to use it as a promotion tool.This is the only future for the recording indusrty, they need to get with it, music is a right not a privilege so yes you may be infringing copyright laws by downloading overseas music ( much like 'dubbing' onto cassettes was in the 80's)but only by lots of people doing it will the laws change....

Answer 3

If you don't pay for what you are using its always considered illegal. Under such cases you are accountable for it .Since there are millions of them doing it the govt may-not be able to catch all of them and get the prosecution done. but those caught with proof cannot escape without paying for it.

Answer 4

YES the U.N. has international copyright laws