Almost any sort of media whether it be pictures, music, books, movies, video games ect. can be shared easily and almost instantaneously via the internet. This has caused huge debates among people regarding copyrights and piracy. All of these types of media can be legally purchased through e-stores such as iTunes and the Android store among others. However these files are also illegally shared and download for free through various file sharing websites. Our courts and legal system have successfuly shut down prominant file sharing sites such as Napster and Limewire. However when one sites gets shut down it appears that two or three other new websites quickly line up to take its place. I guess the question to ask is can internet security and technology come up with some measures to prevent this sort of piracy and theft. Because the great majority of musicians, authors and artists depend on the sales of their work to pay their bills and make a living wage. If this sort of digital theft continues on a widespread scale then it could possibly decrease the quality and quantity of art and original work that is digitally created.
Hi Sam,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your view about online sharing of resources. You cannot prevent illegal downloading, and it is important to teach our children to interact appropriately on the Internet. I think artists will continue to produce high quality work but may not get compensated as much. How much do the musicians and movie stars make? I think if they were to get pay half the money they can still live comfortably. What is the difference between letting a friend borrow an 8-track tape (remember those?) and emailing a friend a music file? hmmm?