UK Edition
Is it always illegal to use file-sharing websites and services?
It is illegal to upload or download copyrighted files without permission from the person who owns the rights.
File sharing services can in theory be used legally, but in practice nearly all the content on them is illegal. If they are sites that aren't clearly licensed by copyright owners, then the only safe way to use them legally is to be sure you are sharing materials that are not protected by someone else’s copyright - such as music or films you create yourself.
How are people who illegally file-share found out?
Generally, those file-sharing illegally do so on public networks. Every device connecting to the internet is assigned (usually by their internet service provider) a unique number known as an IP address. Details of this unique number as well as data showing the material used illegally are either clearly visible on or can be easily obtained from such services.
Music, video, TV and film companies can get a court order that requires ISPs to disclose customer details that identify infringers. The copyright owner can then take legal action against the infringers.
Does paying for my music or film guarantee that it is legal?
There are websites based overseas that sell tracks, TV shows and videos very cheaply because they are doing so illegally without paying the owners of the rights. To help you stick with legal websites, visit www.pro-music.org for links to legal music sites and www.industrytrust.co.uk for links to legal film and TV sites. Look for recognisable brands or, specifically for music, look for any site that displays the Music Matters trust mark.
Is it legal to download entertainment from blogs?
In some cases, entertainment is made available legally from blogs. However, links from blogs to music, film, TV or video stored on online storage services - called 'cyberlockers' - are generally not legal. In almost all cases, it won’t be legal to download a song, album, film or TV programme offered for download via a link to a cyberlocker.
