The Legalization of Peer to Peer Networks
Peer-to-peer networks should not be illegal. First of all, the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) collects a hidden 2% tax on each CD that is purchased, plus an additional $2.00 built in surcharge. This tax and surcharge has never benefited music artists. Because record labels keep recorded music locked away, only about 20% of recorded music ever is available legally. This denies music artists from gaining additional income. Furthermore, people who download music usually like only one song from a CD; it is not fair that recording labels refuse to produce single or double CDs. Besides, for many years now people have recorded music from albums to cassettes without any interference from the RIAA or the government. Why should burning music on a CD for personal enjoyment be any different? Finally, most musicians do not object to the burning of CDs. Given that most of their income comes from performing live concerts, they appreciate the exposure that burning CDs gives their music.
On the other hand, the distribution of copied CDs or movies for personal income gain should be illegal and have restrictions. However, once a movie is released to the public on DVDs or television, it should then be legal to record them; people have also been doing this for years. Twenty years ago the Supreme Court ruled that Sony videocassette recorders were legal to sell stating that technology that could be used for illegal purposes could still be legal to sell. (Odd is it not, that Sony is one of the five major recording labels that is fighting against peer-to-peer networks, but when it comes to selling their products it is a different story?) Over the years, this Supreme Court ruling has led to technological advancements. Although the RIAA says they are concerned with copyright infringements, they really are only concerned about their profits. To some degree they are right: copyright laws should be upheld, but so should Supreme Court decisions.