With the ever increasing popularity of the internet comes widespread copyright violations and internet piracy. Peer-to-peer sharing programs allow internet users to obtain media files illegally, including music, movies, computer games, and computer software.
Internet piracy laws were established to prohibit the illegal acquisition and distribution of these media files. Piracy laws seek to combat copyright violations, which are adversely affecting media industries, including the music and movie production industries. These piracy laws target both individuals and corporations who engage in illegal media downloading. For instance, many peer-to-peer sharing companies, including Napster and Pirate Bay, have been involved in lawsuits regarding copyright violations. In addition, many individual consumers have been targeted by lawsuits for violating internet piracy laws.
