Is music piracy still an issue? 

Music piracy is the illegal copying and distribution of music without the copyright owner’s permission. It is a form of copyright infringement that can result in civil or criminal penalties. Music piracy has been an issue since the 1960s, and even after the creation of YouTube and Spotify, it might still pose a threat.

“Music piracy is when people steal music from other original music artists without permission,” says DBHS freshman Jahneli Lake.

Music piracy is illegal because it violates the rights of the composer, recording artist, and record company. It can result in civil lawsuits or criminal penalties, which lead to paying thousands of dollars and serving time in prison. Since the creation of the modern tape recorder in the 30s and 40s, piracy has risen, it became even more popular after digital recording. However, in the early 1990s, the MP3 was formatted to allow music to be compressed into even smaller files online. In 1992, the Audio Home Recording Act (AHRA), a copy protection scheme, was passed, requiring all digital devices to have a Serial Copy Management System.

“I think it’s become more irrelevant as time passes, due to its lack of prominence. Also, music is now usually credited to its artists.”

Others say that music piracy isn’t a concern anymore. Of course, it has been considered a lingering threat to the music industry. However, with the creation of affordable streaming services, improved copyright enforcement, and more, music piracy has declined. Studies show that since 2017, piracy has dropped by 50%. The reason is that streaming services have become more accessible and affordable over time. Apps and websites like YouTube or Spotify have allowed users to obtain a “music library” without breaking laws. They also provide a better user experience, as modern quality outclasses older songs. Piracy nowadays usually obtains malware or viruses, making the whole process more harmful than beneficial.

Although there are arguments about piracy hurting music artists financially, the truth is that the industry has been thriving. According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), the music industry made $15.9 billion in 2022 alone, the highest they’ve made in decades. Music streaming isn’t the only way for artists to gather money; they can also sell merchandise, have sponsorships, and more.

Written by Micah Noel | Graphic Designed by Micah Noel

Published April 10, 2025 | ePathfinder | Perspectives