[imation]

OK so I know that downloading music/movies and what not off the net is illegal right..
Are p2p servers are also illegal?
And if so.. how illegal? Lol if you get me..
I've always wanted to know what happens if someone finds out... because its one of those crimes that anyone is really scared of committing because there seems to be no consequences
Anyway if anyone could shed some light then id appreciate it

[Curlyben]

Would some one please pass me the REALLY LONG barge pole for this one ;)

[bassistguy]

P2P servers are not illegal. P2P servers are used all over the place, other than for just obtaining music. It just depends on how they are used. You can actually legally download music through subscription services, such as Real, ITunes, or the new Napster (I think they are around still.. ) These services have agreements with the artist and/or record companies, and they get reimbursed accordingly. I believe that some or most of these services use P2P servers to distribute music, not sure though.

Here's more information about copyright infringement, if you're interested...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copyright_infringement

Hope this helps!

[ScottGem]

This has been the problem the RIAA has in trying to stem the tide of piracy. P2P networks can be used for legal purposes. Not all the content being offered is illegal. So the courts have ruled that the neyworks can continue to to function. This has meant that the RIAA and MPAA have had to change their focus to going after the pirates, rather then the medium being used.

The legal services don't generally use P2P networks. Since their content is legal, they can get clean, legal copies to make available. So why need to have people make their personally recorded tracks available?

There ARE consequences. The RIAA has successfully sued many people who have provided copyrighted works on P2P networks. These people have generally paid settlements in the $3-$10K range rather than go to court. The usage of P2P networks has waned because of that and the advent reasonably priced legal services. Most people will do the honest thing if its reasonable. Which brings me to you.

The tone of your question seems to be that you are willing to steal as long as you don't get caught. Maybe you need to brush up on your ethics. Asking how illegal something in is like asking if you can be partially pregnant. If something is illegal its illegal. There are different degrees for the nature of the crime, I.E. jaywalkling is not as serious as murder. But its still a crime. If you conscience allows you to steal as long as the risk of getting caught is a long shot, then you have a problem.

[imation]

I can see how I must have come across, and my comment of "how illegal is it?" was meant in the way of how serious a crime it is, just as in your example of jaywalking and murdur.
I was just curious there was no need to jump down my throat about it, but comment warrented.