Napster Ethics
... Statement of the dilemma Napster allows users to share and download MP3 files directly from any computer connected to the Internet through peer-to-peer (P2P) networks. The software is used by downloading a client program from the Napster site and then connecting to the network through this software, which allows sharing (uploading and downloading), of MP3 files between all users connected to the network. While Napster does not condone copyright infringement, there is no opportunity in the software to stop this, or for royalties to be paid to artists whose songs are being duplicated for free. Unlike similar file-sharing applications such as Gnutella, Napster limits users to uploading/downloading of MP3 files only. ... It is for this reason that many artists, record labels and other music industry stakeholders are concerned by the MP3 file format and applications like Napster that simplify the sharing of copyrighted material. The reaction from recording artists, record labels and other music industry players has been varied, but primarily anti-Napster. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), a trade group representing the US recording industry, alleged "Napster is enabling and encouraging the illegal copying and distribution of copyrighted music". Napster claims that the Audio Home Recording Act permits copying of material for personal use. Napster further claims immunity by defining the company as an ISP under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. (Napster, 2003) Other artists and record labels have responded to the advent of Napster and similar applications in a more positive way, embracing the new technology rather than rejecting it. Interesting enough, a number of surveys have proven that Napster users actually buy more CDs, after “sampling” the songs online. It is this issue that is at the core of the RIAA lawsuit, whether Napster and similar applications will mean reduced CD sales. The fact that Napster is free and more convenient than visiting a record store makes it an appealing way to get music for consumers. ... Napster does challenge the traditional distribution of music such as CDs, cassettes, and records. ... They set a precedent for all potential issues similar to Napster in the future.