2007-06-29 09:40:53 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Computers & Internet ➔ Security
yes, it's illegal.
2007-06-29 09:42:40 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
Limewire itself is NOT illegal. Using it to download copyrighted files without the consent of the copyright holder IS illegal.
Limewire is not illegal because it doesn't use a centralized server to distribute files and content, and it does not keep a list of files and their location. It only directs you, via a P2P network, to other users that store the content on their own computers.
The makers of Limewire have been sued many times by the record industry and have prevailed so far due to this distinction. In fact, when you go to down load the software, they have you indicate whether or not you will use the software for copyright infringement. If you click on the "I Might use Limewire for copyright infringement" tab, it directs you to a screen saying they cant let you download the software. (But you can still hit the back button, change your mind and download it anyway). They do this to comply with the assortment of legal ruling about this issue.
So, no, it is not illegal. It's just illegal to use the software to steal.
2007-06-29 10:14:55 · answer #2 · answered by Richard E 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Using Limewire, Kazza or ANY OTHER peer-to-peer (P2P) programs to illegally steal music, software and movies etc. without paying for it, is one of the leading causes of virus and spyware infections. Many downloads using P2P file-sharing programs are loaded with malware
LIMEWIRE IS NOT A WEBSITE.
You will be downloading "stuff" from unknown stranger's computers while they will be uploading from your computer at the same time. You do not download from any website.
It is amazing that people who would never accept and eat a sandwich from a stranger, don't think twice about downloading a file to their PC from a perfect stranger, who lives half-way around the World!
If you don't know the difference between a .wmp (good) file from a .wmf (potentially very bad) file or a .zip from a .pif, then stay away from Limewire, Kazaa, and all P2P programs. The same is true if you don't know the difference between a song that is 25kb in size from one that is 3 mb in size. The smaller one is probably a Trojan, just waiting for you to infect your computer with.
P2P file-sharing is no place for computer novices. Even experienced expert users get infected using P2P at times.
If you must use P2P, always scan every file you download with both your anti-virus and your anti-spyware before you open it.
..................
And don't forget the legality issues.
Using Limewire or any other P2P file sharing program such as Kaaza or Bearshare, (free or paid) to download any copyrighted music, movies, software etc. in illegal in the USA.
It is fairly rare, but people do get sued and fined for using these P2P programs. Such as this 12 year old girl here:
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2003/09/09/the_riaa_sees_the_face/
It's your right to use Limewire, just make an informed decision!
Good luck.
2007-06-29 09:45:41 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
downloading copyrighted material, e.g., music, games, software, movies, pictures, etc. is illegal anywhere. I read an article the other day about the federal government in America cracking down on Limewire and its users. They traced ISP addresses to some colleges and universities and found out who was using said computers and is now charging the people per download. One girl in the article was being charged over 5000 US dollars at .99 per download song she had done.
2007-06-29 09:46:21 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO limewire it self is not illegal, it's what you download that makes it illegal
limewire it self it's just a P2P file sharing application, but downloading music is a infringement of the copyright of the record company ( as if they need any more money )
2007-06-29 09:43:19 · answer #5 · answered by Pete 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
For the millionth time (don't any of you search for your questions before you ask them!?): NO. Limewire is not, in itself, illegal. It is just a type of software. BUT... downloading copyrighted songs and dvds without paying for them IS illegal. If you download songs or movies using Limewire, you are breaking the law, and they ARE prosecuting for it now. So proceed with caution.
2007-06-29 09:44:21 · answer #6 · answered by Mr. Taco 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Limewire in itself is NOT illegal. Downloading copyrighted material such as music, videos, etc is.
It's not the program, but what you use it for that determines the legality.
weeder
2007-06-29 09:44:06 · answer #7 · answered by weeder 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, Limewire is not illegal.
Downloading or sharing copyrighted materials on lime wire is illegal.
2007-06-29 09:43:29 · answer #8 · answered by Bjorn 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
No, sharing the data using limewire is illegal.
2007-06-29 09:43:44 · answer #9 · answered by triston b 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
it was supposed to be for uncopywrited material, that's why it hasn't been shut down, but the users are the ones who download/share copywrited material, so most likely if you use it, it's illegal
2007-06-29 09:45:33 · answer #10 · answered by diziPPP 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes it's,you are downloading a copyright things.
2007-06-29 11:56:50 · answer #11 · answered by MH 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋