In what it calls “the second phase of our education program with Canadian users of file-sharing services,” Canadian Recording Industry Association president Brian Robertson said CRIA will use the Instant Messaging function of the peer-to-peer networks such as Kazaa to communicate its message to individuals who appear to be distributing copyrighted music without authorization from the rights owners.
Unlike the Recording Industry Association of America, its U.S. counterpart, its U.S. counterpart, CRIA has not launched lawsuits against users of such networks as Kazaa, which share digitized versions of music CDs.
The carefully worded statement warns users that they are offering files to be uploaded by other users of the network.
The Canadian recording industry, however, has persuaded the Canadian government to institute a levy on all recordable media commonly used to record downloaded music files. Over the past few years, the industry has collected in excess of $70-miullion (Cdn.).
Canadian file-sharing enthusiasts have been arguing that by paying the levy, they have already reimbursed the industry and the artists for the files they share.
Instant messaging is built into the software required to join the networks and trade music files. There is, however, an option to turn that feature off.
The test of the message reads:
Warning
“It appears that you are offering copyrighted music to others from your computer. While we appreciate your love of music, please be aware that sharing copyrighted music on the Internet without permission from the copyright owner is illegal. When you do so, you hurt the artists, songwriters and musicians who create the music and the other talented individuals who are involved in bringing you the music.
“More than 40,000 Canadians work hard producing and supporting the music you appear to enjoy, including producers, engineers, retailers, music publishers, distributors, manufacturers, record companies, concert promoters and broadcasters.
“When you break the law, you risk legal penalties. There is a simple way to avoid that risk: Don¹t distribute music to others on a file-sharing system like this. For further information, please go to www.cria.ca.
“Remember that you need music and music needs you.”
Source: The Globe and Mail
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