Music Downloading Now Legal in Canada

[Kyosuke]

On March 31, a judge ruled that downloading music is now legal in Canada or if it was before its now known now, here is the full story:

TORONTO - Individuals who share personal copies of music files on the internet are safe after a Federal Court rejected a motion on Wednesday that would have allowed the music industry to sue them.

Justice Konrad von Finckenstein said the Canadian Recording Industry Association hadn't shown copyright infringement by 29 people who had allowed their music files to be uploaded.

Making files available in online, shared directories is within the bounds of Canadian copyright law, von Finckenstein ruled.


"No evidence was presented that the alleged infringers either distributed or authorized the reproduction of sound recordings," von Finckenstein wrote in his 28-page ruling. "They merely placed personal copies into their shared directories which were accessible by other computer users via a P2P service."


The music industry wants to shut down internet file sharing of music, blaming it for plummeting sales of compact discs.

Last year, the recording industry in the United States began going after people who share music online.

The Recording Industry Association of America has sued about 400 individuals in the U.S. for allowing others access to song files. Several people have settled out of court for about $3,000 US each.

On Tuesday, the recording industry sent warning letters or filed charges against 247 people in Denmark, Germany, Italy and Canada.

Courtesy of cbc.ca

So basically that means that residents in Canada cannot be sued for downloading music off P2P programs (Person to Person), such as Kazaa.

What do you think about this ruling?

[Dizzy]

Yah Just for that I'm moving to canada :).. See America isnt such a good country :)...

[Haruka]

KaZzA is a very evil program indeed. It's worng to download music from other people by using it. It's like stealing CDS from a CD store or stealing money from a bank. I don't blame those people for "online privacy" but people are loosing bisiness. I only buy orginal copies of CDS and they are legit. If you want to download music "leagally", Apple has a program called "iTunes". It can be used on Windows and Mac OS X to download legit MP3's for 99 cents, which is really cheap and you can send it to a CD, a iPod, or a PDA. ^_^.

It's much better than privating and I think they should be sued because it's worng to steal other peoples work of "art".

*1st Quality post ever. :D*

[MegaLightBlaze]

I would Download Shadows THemesong!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! XD

[Kyosuke]

KaZzA is a very evil program indeed. It's worng to download music from other people by using it. It's like stealing CDS from a CD store or stealing money from a bank. I don't blame those people for "online privacy" but people are loosing bisiness. I only buy orginal copies of CDS and they are legit. If you want to download music "leagally", Apple has a program called "iTunes". It can be used on Windows and Mac OS X to download legit MP3's for 99 cents, which is really cheap and you can send it to a CD, a iPod, or a PDA. ^_^.

It's much better than privating and I think they should be sued because it's worng to steal other peoples work of "art".

*1st Quality post ever. :D*

I agree with what you said, artists are loosing alot of money on downloading. I often buy cd's and my friends say, "Why don't you just download them insted?", sometimes I can't be bothered to go through all of that. But I won't try to lie, I occansionally download a song or 2 thats hard to find, but don't go overboard like most users using it. And also paying so much for cd's and merchandice is just paying for that new mansion that that artist has been wanting for a long time, but I suppose its not right after making the music and everything. I have mixed feelings about this one....


And the thing about itunes and the ipod is that its not available in Canada, or if it is I didn't know.

[Dizzy]

Eww I'd never use Kazaa... It's bad.. I dont use it.. But America should Legalize it.. Come on.. Technology will Advance and CD's are going to become the new Tapes..

[Haruka]

Well, the age of techology started long time... >_> and limits haven't been set yet, but atleast they are taking action. ^_^

[Dizzy]

Action was already taken from the start... It totally depends on the situation.. If you have the Technology then use it. But if theres a limit (Like Fines and Charges) then it's not really that good.. But just dont use Kazaa.. anything else is okay though.. at least until there Identified.

[Geometric-sama]

Wow, I wish music downloading was legal here. But we're going the way of the US, there were several raids last month.

[Haruka]

Well, if you don't want to buy full CDs, use iTunes. :P

[Dizzy]

Well, if you don't want to buy full CDs, use iTunes. :P

iTunes wont have the remixes needed to make a Techno soundtrack will they? People download songs to make their own Cds off of what they like.. It would be a waste to buy the full album and pay for like 1 song that you like.. But I agree.. you should pay to burn CDs.. but i like free songs :)

[Geometric-sama]

I don't think downloading reduces amount of bought CDs. If I like a track I hear on the radio, I'll download it (because it all comes out in the US first). Then when the single is released, I go buy the single.

[Haruka]

iTunes wont have the remixes needed to make a Techno soundtrack will they? People download songs to make their own Cds off of what they like.. It would be a waste to buy the full album and pay for like 1 song that you like.. But I agree.. you should pay to burn CDs.. but i like free songs :)
Downloading for Free or sharing is called Pirating... Pirating is illegal in the US or any other country.

[Kyosuke]

I sometimes do the same thing, if I really like an artist, I'll go and buy their cd insted of downloading.

[Dizzy]

I know what it is.. I had to write an Essay, They also said that it only applies to you if you distribute.. which means having over 1000 files to share.. and thats when you get fiend for it.. I have less than 20 songs.

[Haruka]

I have only legit songs that I copied off orginal CDs. nothing else ^_^

[Dizzy]

I have some songs that i copied off Cds.. 5 actually.. so in reality I only have 12 downloaded songs.

[Scyther5]

Thats good news for america, I hope. That means we'll probely be able download music leagal soon too!

[Geometric-sama]

I seriously doubt it, you know how the US are with legal matters. And the worst thing is that Australia's PM loves George Bush o_O. So they follow their example. Hence the Australian raids.

[PM2008]

KaZzA is a very evil program indeed. It's worng to download music from other people by using it. It's like stealing CDS from a CD store or stealing money from a bank. I don't blame those people for "online privacy" but people are loosing bisiness. I only buy orginal copies of CDS and they are legit. If you want to download music "leagally", Apple has a program called "iTunes". It can be used on Windows and Mac OS X to download legit MP3's for 99 cents, which is really cheap and you can send it to a CD, a iPod, or a PDA. ^_^.

It's much better than privating and I think they should be sued because it's worng to steal other peoples work of "art".

*1st Quality post ever. :D*

The 99 cents thing is just a loophole that companies did to be able to still give music downloads. So the people who did the CD's still get nothing, the companies are the ones who get the profit. ;)
So it is basically the same thing as getting it illegally.

Well Canada is lucky to be able to have free music downloads. I wish that US also follows.

[Geometric-sama]

Actually, the artists do get a share of the 99 cents, that's why there hasn't been some huge furore.

[Kyosuke]

And of course, lawyers and people are trying to stop this, because of course, artists are loosing alot of money.

[Lightning]

Thats good news for america, I hope. That means we'll probely be able download music leagal soon too!
Don't get your hopes up. =\

First of all, I'd like to mention that the other day on CBC Radio, a Canada-wide radio station, there was a report on file sharing and downloading music in general. It said there was a study done that showed people downloading popular music didn't really hurt the CD sales of that particular artists and in many cases, the CD sold better if the songs off of it were downloaded. I believe it also mentioned that with the results of that study, the music industry in either Canada or the US (or both?) might completely revamp the way they handle this.

That out of the way, I download music and I'm pretty happy about this turn of events. I listen to the radio a LOT. Basically every minute of the day at home when I'm not watching TV, playing video games, or (sometimes) on the computer. Therefore, I get exposed to lots of music. This means I really only have to download the songs that are stuck in my head and I'll usually end up buying the CD said songs are from later on. (Such as the Evanescence CD "Fallen" - I had the entire thing on my computer, but I still bought it because I love the band.) Plus, some CDs I'll buy just because it has all the songs that I want on it, such as the Smashing Pumpkins greatest hits collection I'm hoping to get for my birthday. Just because I have most of the songs downloaded and burned onto CDs doesn't mean I won't buy them. =\ *is rambling, so shuts up*

Oh, and about the iTunes thing... even if it IS available in Canada, the songs are probably about $1.50 CAD, so I'm not spending my money on that when I can download for free. >_>

[Dizzy]

Totally Lightning, I can see Greatest Hits CDs since their Greatest Hits.. But when you can download them for free, why not :)

WHY CAN'T I? - Liz Phair

[Flaming Torchic]

On March 31, a judge ruled that downloading music is now legal in Canada or if it was before its now known now, here is the full story:

TORONTO - Individuals who share personal copies of music files on the internet are safe after a Federal Court rejected a motion on Wednesday that would have allowed the music industry to sue them.

Justice Konrad von Finckenstein said the Canadian Recording Industry Association hadn't shown copyright infringement by 29 people who had allowed their music files to be uploaded.

Making files available in online, shared directories is within the bounds of Canadian copyright law, von Finckenstein ruled.

"No evidence was presented that the alleged infringers either distributed or authorized the reproduction of sound recordings," von Finckenstein wrote in his 28-page ruling. "They merely placed personal copies into their shared directories which were accessible by other computer users via a P2P service."


The music industry wants to shut down internet file sharing of music, blaming it for plummeting sales of compact discs.

Last year, the recording industry in the United States began going after people who share music online.

The Recording Industry Association of America has sued about 400 individuals in the U.S. for allowing others access to song files. Several people have settled out of court for about $3,000 US each.

On Tuesday, the recording industry sent warning letters or filed charges against 247 people in Denmark, Germany, Italy and Canada.

Courtesy of cbc.ca

So basically that means that residents in Canada cannot be sued for downloading music off P2P programs (Person to Person), such as Kazaa.

What do you think about this ruling?

LOL, I am starting to love Canada again! xD Awesome, now I can use Kazaa like a proud Canadian, and not be paranoid of cops coming after me. =)

[bna_li]

I dont think downloading should be legal. Its not fair to those who work hard and sing.

[//mew\\]

I live in Macedonia and downloading is legal,there is just 1 internet provider,i use a code from a firm that the whole town uses to conect to net,and for the internet..i just pluged my phone cable and TADA i instead of internet pay phone bills and for the CD`s they cost
150 denars or in dollars....2 US dollars and i`ve never seen an original c`d whole my life..I LIVE IN A PIRATIC(spelling?)COUNTRY AND I`M PROUD OF IT.:) HEHEHEEE :)

[Dizzy]

LOL You should be.


By the way, bna li, it's not just people who sing that work hard, you could get art, and movies off the internet too. And not all songs have words, some remixes of techno songs that I like dont have words but i still download them. :) I'm bad :(

[ASG]

You now if you go to winmix you can download music and movis (like S.W.A.T.) and i'm pretty sure there's a chat on there.

[bna_li]

LOL You should be.


By the way, bna li, it's not just people who sing that work hard, you could get art, and movies off the internet too. And not all songs have words, some remixes of techno songs that I like dont have words but i still download them. :) I'm bad :(
Theres nothing wrong with downloading remixes that people make. Its the original thing. Well, I'm all talk. I download stuff too.

[Geometric-sama]

Oh well, well I buy what I download as well, and I don't think they are going to be able to stop the downloading any time soon.

[Dizzy]

The Thing is, I'd willingly buy the remixes but they dont sell them :) And if They do, I'm not going all the way to France or Portugal to buy it for god knows how many Euros, and come back here....

[Kyosuke]

Oh well, well I buy what I download as well, and I don't think they are going to be able to stop the downloading any time soon.


I agree, people who want to stop the downloading need to face the facts that it won't stop now that its being done. Like illegal drugs for example, people don't care that its illegal, they are just going to keep doing it.

[Flaming Torchic]

I agree, people who want to stop the downloading need to face the facts that it won't stop now that its being done. Like illegal drugs for example, people don't care that its illegal, they are just going to keep doing it.

As my friend would say, "thay have bigger fish to fry". The truth is they are too busy hunting down people who are robbing and or doing other things that they need to focus on, they don't have time to go to every house in canada and charge people who have it on their computer. It is a huge waste of time. Like I said, I am relieved to hear this, because I heard that they were going to start hunting down people who had it in the US AND Canada, so as you can tell I was a bit paranoid of downloading anymore things.

[Lightning]

Same here, FT. When I first heard they were going to be searching out the people who were downloading music, I wasn't completely worried as I know there are some people who download songs almost religiously, whereas I download two or three songs every few weeks. But I did stop for at least a month after that first warning came out. It was very relieving to hear the latest news. ^_^;

[Dizzy]

Same here, FT. When I first heard they were going to be searching out the people who were downloading music, I wasn't completely worried as I know there are some people who download songs almost religiously, whereas I download two or three songs every few weeks. But I did stop for at least a month after that first warning came out. It was very relieving to hear the latest news. ^_^;


Lol Religiously.. I dont even have alot of songs.. I'm deleting all the Liz Phair ones I have (like 4) so now my number is like 10 songs.. Since all the techno ones come from really good websites :)

[Kairi]

Same here, FT. When I first heard they were going to be searching out the people who were downloading music, I wasn't completely worried as I know there are some people who download songs almost religiously, whereas I download two or three songs every few weeks. But I did stop for at least a month after that first warning came out. It was very relieving to hear the latest news. ^_^;They only get uploaders, so either turning off uploading or…just moving your songs out of your download directory is a sure way to be safe. Or, as you do use KaZaA Lite. They prevent people from getting a list of your shard files.

[Flaming Torchic]

They only get uploaders, so either turning off uploading or…just moving your songs out of your download directory is a sure way to be safe. Or, as you do use KaZaA Lite. They prevent people from getting a list of your shard files.

Exactly, that's why I stopped downloading, but kept the songs that I already had. Once I heard about this news I started downloading all of the songs that I wanted to get, lol ^_^; Yes I use Kazaa Lite. so does that mean I would have been safe either way? I only really got that because I heard that it doesn't slow down your internet when you use it, and it was truthful. =)

Hehe, you had the same thoughts as I did Lightning. "don't download = safety!" hehe.

[Kyosuke]

But the thing with Kazaa Lite, is that its not free anymore, (or what my friends say), but moving your songs like you said Kairi, is a great way to feel on that safe side.

[Flaming Torchic]

But the thing with Kazaa Lite, is that its not free anymore, (or what my friends say), but moving your songs like you said Kairi, is a great way to feel on that safe side.

It isn't? Well, there is one that is not free, but have you tried typing in Kazaa Lite on google? I am pretty sure that it is still free, because if it isn't then my dad is going to be unpleasantly surprised. >.> Like I said, they may have went to the one that is not free, but if you look on a search engine I'm sure you'll find the actual one.

[Sakura and Espeon]

I guess music Privacy won't end no time sooner. *sighs*

[^^NICK^^ v.2.0]

Just another reason why Canada is Cool. Degrassi, free health care, and now legal music downloads.

That's it I'm moving!

[Dizzy]

I guess music Privacy won't end no time sooner. *sighs*

Piracy? Piracy is the act of stealing good from other sources. Privacy..isnt :laugh:

[Geometric-sama]

Kazaa Lite is no longer available, Sharman Networks (makers of Kazaa) took legal action against the distributors of it. But if you already have it, you're fine ^^. Well, I turned off uploading, I blocked bad ports in Kazaa Lite and I delete files as soon as I buy the CDs so I think I'm OK XD

[^^NICK^^ v.2.0]

I hate Kazaa. It has too much spyware, and it makes your computer really slow. I use LimeWire.

[John Denver]

This all just proves the fact that the USA is the 3rd most popular country in North America...

YEAH! Score one for DAKOTA! HE SHOOTS! BRRRRRING!!!

[22sa]

Piracy? Piracy is the act of stealing good from other sources. Privacy..isnt :laugh:
=( But privacy too. I feel it's threatened by many techonolgies too.

Anyways, on topic, I guess that sounds good. I never thought that law was aligned with morality anyways. Maybe I should start using KaZaA or whatever now. =o

[John Denver]

I use Kazaa lite...it's all good to me...so HA!!

I've downloaded a whopping...[blank] songs! yes!

YES! YES ya!

[Flaming Torchic]

Kazaa Lite is no longer available, Sharman Networks (makers of Kazaa) took legal action against the distributors of it. But if you already have it, you're fine ^^. Well, I turned off uploading, I blocked bad ports in Kazaa Lite and I delete files as soon as I buy the CDs so I think I'm OK XD

Ah, so the rumor is true...Kazaa Lite has been destroyed :'( I do hope that I don't have to restart my computer again, or I will not be able to get my wonderful Kazaa Lite. >.> I guess I could always get normal, but that one slows down my internet. =\ Oh well, I guess I should be grateful I can download music safely anyways.

[Kairi]

This is a bit off topic, but you should always keep and back up your installers. I keep them all in one folder in case I hafta reformat or something. There are still plenty of places you can get it though… >.>;

[Flaming Torchic]

This is a bit off topic, but you should always keep and back up your installers. I keep them all in one folder in case I hafta reformat or something. There are still plenty of places you can get it though… >.>;

Bah, you know me Kairi, to do that I'd have to get someone who is skilled with computers, or just nag my dad to do it. =P Thanks for the advice though. :) But if I reset my CPU, will the back-up still be there? Or will it vanish like everything else?

[22sa]

Eh... well, as soon as my dad gets an anti-virus program on our main computer I'm getting KaZaA lite! Legaly freely shared anime here I COME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Flaming Torchic]

Eh... well, as soon as my dad gets an anti-virus program on our main computer I'm getting KaZaA lite! Legaly freely shared anime here I COME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hate to inform you, but someone earlier in this thread said that you can no longer get Kazaa Lite for free. =\ I am very lucky that I have it, or I would go nuts without my music. =( Anyways, there are other programs out there that you can use though.

[Kairi]

I can slip the URL to it to him and anyone who wants it. =P I’ve got it…lalala…

And FT, it depends on what you back it up on. If it’s a CD, it’ll stay of course. If you back it up to another partition of your hard drive, and only format your C partition, then it’ll stay.

[Flaming Torchic]

I can slip the URL to it to him and anyone who wants it. =P I’ve got it…lalala…

And FT, it depends on what you back it up on. If it’s a CD, it’ll stay of course. If you back it up to another partition of your hard drive, and only format your C partition, then it’ll stay.

Ah, alright. I may do that someday, as re-downloading all of my songs last time was a bit of a hassle and was a bit annoying. =\ I'll have to wait until my dad returns from his trip though, as me and my mom aren't very knowledgable in CPUs.

[Kairi]

Technically, CPUs are just the processors inside your computer, not the computer itself. =p We’re turning this into technology chit-chat though.

I do get some of my music from P2P, if only because it’s video-game oriented and there’s no CDs I can find of it. =\ I…don’t listen to ‘normal’ music per se, like what’s on the radio and popular and so on.

[Lightning]

@_@ Lol, I'm the exact opposite Kairi. I find myself buying all my anime/video game CDs, but I'll just download normal music instead of getting the CD.

:E On that note, I reaaally want the FFX soundtrack, but it's $60.

[Geometric-sama]

The FFX soundtrack? I think my friend might have that - in Japanese.

[Kairi]

I’m so much safer then. =p The RIAA doesn’t care how much music you have so long as it’s not from their labels.

Though I plan on asking for the FFVIII and CT soundtracks for my birthday. >.>

[PichuSecretBase]

Personally if the artist has a million dollars (Which with half there fans if their any good then they will get it) They can live a happy life, plus they can do concerts, commercials, and stuff so they'll be set for life......

[Geometric-sama]

Well, most of their money comes from live performances anyway. I was reading a report in the newspaper yesterday that pointed out that CD album sales have actually risen by several thousand in the last year - and this is due to more downloading. Here's the link to the article: http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/04/19/1082326133722.html

[Kyosuke]

Interesting..... so basicaly what was going down in Austrailia was some people were downloading songs, but intended as samples so they would buy the cd. It makes sence, because I did that a few times when I downloaded songs from an artist and think about how good thier cd might be and bought it.

[Dizzy]

I can slip the URL to it to him and anyone who wants it. =P I’ve got it…lalala…

And FT, it depends on what you back it up on. If it’s a CD, it’ll stay of course. If you back it up to another partition of your hard drive, and only format your C partition, then it’ll stay.

Your so bad Kairi :)I have iMesh and Shareza (Great Programs) But that was before

[PGN]

why would you want to use KaZa when you could just download songs/whole albums from the iTunes Music Store for only 99¢ [like Haruka said]? you get a free sample of every song before you download it

[Ryoutarou]

maybe becuse kaza is...free?

[Lightning]

I'm with blue on that one. =\ Why would people pay a dollar for a song when they can still get it free? @_@;; I mean, it's more ethical and, well, legal to buy them, but when you can get it free... >>;

[Ryoutarou]

And plus when you delete them off your comp within24 hours it's not illegal so i just save them to cds.

[Lightning]

I think that 24-hour thing is just a myth... =\ That's what Nintendo said about ROMs, so I guess it would apply to music. Besides, burning them onto CDs would make no difference - you still have illegally obtained music. XP

[Kairi]

In response to Dizzy: Yeah, I did *ahem* obtain some software yesterday. >.>;

I guess I really don’t have a problem with it, though lie I said the music I get, they ain’t looking for.

[22sa]

I can slip the URL to it to him and anyone who wants it. =P I’ve got it…lalala…

And FT, it depends on what you back it up on. If it’s a CD, it’ll stay of course. If you back it up to another partition of your hard drive, and only format your C partition, then it’ll stay.
What's the URL Kairi? [/small voice]

Well, if KaZaA isn't freeware, I guess I shouldn't get it for free anyway. :\

[Geometric-sama]

KaZaA is free, but it comes with really bad spyware. Kazaa Lite is also free, but KaZaA sued them. Lite is a hacked version of KaZaA without spyware, so it's better. *nods*

[22sa]

Cool! What's the link to it? :P

[Geometric-sama]

I have the installer but not a link to it. Guess you'll have to wait for Kairi to give it to you XD

[Flaming Torchic]

KaZaA is free, but it comes with really bad spyware. Kazaa Lite is also free, but KaZaA sued them. Lite is a hacked version of KaZaA without spyware, so it's better. *nods*

Yeah, I have Kazaa Lite because it is pretty much like the *good* version of Kazaa. I really see no difference between the two of them though, the only difference that I notice is my internet doesn't get slowed down by Lite, like it did with Kazaa.

[22sa]

Agh!! Stupid MSN it says my contact list is too full when I tried to add you Torchic.

[Guest_1337]

What's the URL Kairi? [/small voice]

Well, if KaZaA isn't freeware, I guess I shouldn't get it for free anyway. :\
http://downloads.techtv.com/binaries/2003/klite.zip

[22sa]

http://downloads.techtv.com/binaries/2003/klite.zip
Abby you're da' best! *Clicks*