The Battle Against The Downloaders Stage, erm, well, we’ve lost count. The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry yesterday sent leaflets to employers around the world detailing the legal and technological 'dangers' of giving employees access to the kind of online file-sharing networks that allow people to easily exchange and download illegal MP3s.
The trade bodies are turning their attention to employers after it became clear just how many people relied on the fast internet connections at work to download much of their MP3 collection. Through the leaflet the IFPI hopes to make other companies aware of this activity – warning that employees who download illegal MP3s are slowing down company computer networks as well as running the risk of downloading a virus onto their computer. The leaflet goes on to explain the copyright implications of downloading illegal MP3s and implies the record labels may take legal action against major companies who are found to be allowing the activity to go on.
Meanwhile some of the legitimate music download sites, including Listen.com and Tiscali’s download service, are launching big marketing campaigns or price slashing programmes in a bid to boost their subscription bases. Despite being quicker and more reliable (and more legal!) than the illegal music download sites, many web surfers are, perhaps unsurprisingly, not keen to opt for a legal pay-to-download service over free services like Kazaa.