Is downloading from Soulseek illegal?

Question

Hmm?
I've been using Soulseek for over 2 years.

I know it depends on the artists/labels and what exactly I'm downloading. So it might be useful to anyone to is answering my question, to know that I download mostly metal and electronica.

I'm planning on downloading Enslaved's Vikingligr Veldi, then I'll stop for awhile.

Answer 1

Will you get arrested? No.

You MAY get sued, but that chance is very, very minimal and really only pretains to the artists( think mostly American alt. rock, nu-metal, and pop) that fall under RIAA, and other similarly large label conglomerates ( and thats when they use the same software as you do - they're mostly stuck on Kazaa, and limewire ). Even then, most of these cases collapse for lack of evidence. This all relies on if you're American.

I'm not to sure about how the laws are in Singapore, but they probably don't care.

For all intents and purposes, you're safe - especially with metal/electronica, the genres you apparently listen to.

I seriously doubt the RIAA are going to come after you for downloading something as low key / obscure as Enslaved.

Answer 2

Yes, unfortunately, unless you are only downloading songs which the author has specifically allowed to be downloaded. (Sadly, this is not very likely.)

Any time you make a copy of a piece of music which is under copyright, and you do not have the copyright owner's permission, that is illegal. There are some exceptions for "fair use" of something you already own the right to have- such as copying a CD you own to use on your OWN iPod- but these don't apply when getting things from other people on Slsk.

Downloading inherantly makes a copy- on your computer, of an original file on the uploader's computer. So, yes, it's illegal. Sorry.

Answer 3

Hey there,
You can download Soul Seek here: http://bit.ly/1k3FXhE
It's a very good program and easy to use.
I hope it helps

Answer 4

what a good question