Why is it unsafe to illegally dowload music?

Question

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I know you can get caught.
And I never said I downloaded music.
Im doing this for a school report.
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Answer 1

Because the files can come with viruses, adware, spyware, which can slow your computer down. You also don't want to be sharing hundreds or thousands of files in case the RIAA decides to make an example out of you with a huge lawsuit.

Answer 2

Basically what Pablo said.

If you use something like Kazaa or Limewire to download files you are actually taking the file off of some unknown users PC. When you agree to the license agreement you are agreeing to allow your PC to be a server on their network. Every music file in your limewire folder can be seen/downloaded by every other limewire user.

Because these "services" are so wild west in their approach, you have no idea who the source of the file is or if what your downloading is even what it's advertised to be. You don't know until you execute the file (i.e. try to play it), at which point if the file is a virus/malware etc.. it's to late.

Think about it another way, if you were from the recording artists industry and you wanted to shut this "free" sharing of music on the Internet down - how might you do that...? Maybe use these "services" to spread nasty virus' so people will be scared away from them?


added info,

If your writing a report on this, then you need to explain in your report how a peer-to-peer file sharing network works. You can find out more on wikipedia.

Answer 3

1) You can be fined thousands of dollars if you're caught. Some of these illegal sites are outside the country, so instead of prosecuting the operators, the law enforcers go after the customers.

2) Most of the sites are notorious sources of viruses and spyware. They have to make money somehow, so if they're not charging you for the downloads they're probably tracking everything you do online and selling your e-mail address to spammers.

Answer 4

Illegal because the artists who wrote/played the songs arent getting the money they deserve and could be making a LOT more money.

Unsafe? Im not sure if it's "unsafe" of course it COULD give your computer viruses, and in some cases the cops could find you and people could sue you - it's pretty rare but I guess it could happen to anyone.

Answer 5

It's called prison, maybe you've heard of it before. I think it's a federal crime but I could be wrong on that. Anything downloaded comes with the risk of downloading a nasty little virus along with what you are trying to steal.

Answer 6

if its copyrighted then .... for the same reason it is illegal to take money from a bank unless its yours... You are committing a crime, a criminal offence and sometimes someone gets caught..... this coudl be YOU

Answer 7

it can give your computer viruses