Prompt's TechBlog

The illegal distribution of music files over file sharing networks is a constant headache for record companies. Music piracy is becoming increasingly common; chances are you know someone personally who has downloaded a free track, or have done so yourself. The logic is understandable - why pay for an expensive album, when you can get the songs you like for free? It may be illegal, but it isn't as if the record companies can do anything about it is there?

Well apparently there is.

Record companies have taken legal action against online music pirates before, but earlier this year in Minnesota, single mother Jammie Thomas made headlines by being the first person to refuse to pay an out of court settlement. The case has gone to trial and Times Online reports that the jury has ruled in favour of the record companies. Ms Thomas was instructed to pay the six record companies that sued her $9, 250 for each of the twenty-four songs involved in the case, resulting in a total fine of over $220,000.

It is made very clear that illegally obtaining music and video is punishable, but the question people are now asking seems to be 'is this particular punishment appropriate?' I find myself questioning that as well.

There is no question that music file sharing is illegal and as such the record companies are well within their rights to sue, but the fine in this case seems excessive. Times Online reports that Ms Thomas will almost certainly be unable to pay this, and be driven into bankruptcy. Richard Gabriel, lead prosecutor in the case, explained that there was a "need for deterrence", but is it really worth potentially destroying someone's life just to prove a point?

Either way, the win is unlikely to have a big impact on the amount of music file sharing going on, though it may cause people to be a little more wary about their downloading. Buoyed by their success, the record companies will undoubtedly be taking more legal action in the future.