Has the RIAA done in file sharing?

Written by Wil Harris

June 14, 2006 | 14:30

Tags: #file-sharing #itunes #kazaa #napster #torrent #xm-radio

Companies: #riaa

The RIAA says that it has successfully stamped out file sharing, with its CEO saying that song trading is "contained".

The company seems chuffed that big file sharing networks like Kazaa, Edonkey and WinMX are mostly done for, with fewer users than previously. Mitch Bainwol, CEO, said that "We believe digital downloads have emerged into a growing, thriving business, and file-trading is flat."

It's certainly true that services like iTunes have seen a big uptake in users. However, the report seems to ignore entirely the existence of torrent sites, with such sites apparently not being counted as 'peer to peer'. Torrent music downloading makes sharing songs even faster and easier than previously.

However, that hasn't stopped the RIAA from suing those that encourage legal file downloading - it recently went after XM Radio for offering a portable timeshifting radio player that is legal under US laws.

Is file sharing down in terms of music? What about in other areas? Let us know your thoughts over in the forums.
Discuss this in the forums
YouTube logo
MSI MPG Velox 100R Chassis Review

October 14 2021 | 15:04

TOP STORIES

SUGGESTED FOR YOU