Smith: Massive Illegal File Sharing Unacceptable
Jun 25, 2003
Press Release
Congressman Smith issued the following statement regarding the action taken today by the Recording Industry Association of America:
Illegal fire sharing on peer-to-peer networks has reached unacceptable levels. Music companies have laid off thousands of employees, music stores have closed and artists are not signing contracts.
Todays action is an appropriate and reasonable step. It targets the massive pirating of copyrighted songs by those who believe they have a right to work created and owned by others.
A legitimate online music marketplace - one that compensates creators and offers listeners high-quality music - is what we all want to see flourish.
But we must also send a strong message that file sharing of copyrighted work is against the law and has consequences.
Illegal fire sharing on peer-to-peer networks has reached unacceptable levels. Music companies have laid off thousands of employees, music stores have closed and artists are not signing contracts.
Todays action is an appropriate and reasonable step. It targets the massive pirating of copyrighted songs by those who believe they have a right to work created and owned by others.
A legitimate online music marketplace - one that compensates creators and offers listeners high-quality music - is what we all want to see flourish.
But we must also send a strong message that file sharing of copyrighted work is against the law and has consequences.