Consequently, the enormous economic effect of music piracy has been characterized as being "the greatest threat facing the music industry today" (Chiou, Huang, and Lee 161). Indeed, unit shipments of recorded music have fallen by a third to one-half in recent years due to illegal file-sharing practices (Wade 11)
Peer-to-Peer Music Sharing Is Piracy Although the practice is becoming increasingly commonplace, peer-to-peer music sharing is a serious criminal act that is legally defined as digital piracy (Wolfe and Higgins 33)
While it is reasonable to suggest that the overwhelming majority of illegal file-sharing practices do not rise to the level of high-seas piracy, the fact remains that domestic and international laws are being broken and rightful owners are being robbed, albeit by digital means rather than at the point of a sword or cannon (Leeson 63). Increasingly harsh laws against piracy emerged during the late 17th to early 18th centuries in response to the more than 10,000 pirates who were active during this period (Fitzhugh 10)
¶ … Sharing Copyrighted Digital Media Illegally is Like Piracy Although precise figures are unavailable, the music industry claims that illegal file-sharing practices are costing the industry billions of dollars in lost revenues each year (Gunter 32)
Although the legal definition of piracy distinguishes between acts committed on the high seas and those committed on land, the common denominator of both definitions involves illegal acts that unlawfully deprive legitimate owners of their property. While it is reasonable to suggest that the overwhelming majority of illegal file-sharing practices do not rise to the level of high-seas piracy, the fact remains that domestic and international laws are being broken and rightful owners are being robbed, albeit by digital means rather than at the point of a sword or cannon (Leeson 63)