Piracy has been a major problem in the U.S. in recent years. Many internet users have logged on to illegal downloading sites to receive free music. A recent study showed that more than 50% of college students frequently download music and movies illegally.

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) reports that in the first half of 2006, the overall estimated retail value of the recording industry dropped 6.1%. In total, $4.9 billion was raked in. But RIAA claims much was lost due to the number of people illegally downloading music.

Now thanks to many illegal downloading sites like Lymewire, Morphius and KaZaA, downloading files has become even easier. KaZaA alone facilitated a total of over 390,000,000 downloads in its existence. And there are more than 1,000 other peer-to-peer file sharing sites.

Downloading music is a problem, but in order to download, there must be an upload.

Uploading is the process by which one user lets another user “reach into” their computer and download what the user wants. If one user shares copyrighted files, anyone else connected to the program can download the file.

Technically this is considered stealing; however, clicking the mouse and hearing some tunes seems different from pocketing a CD at FYE. Although it is against the law, people will continue to download.

Record companies are scurrying around looking for answers, but too many people are committing acts of piracy. Record companies will be forced to adapt and find other creative ways to make money.

For example, they could figure out a way to distribute music to the masses online and make a profit at the same time. They could sponsor downloading sites and work to make them legal. Ads and links to purchase CDs and memorabilia can help propel the business. Other exclusive features can attract users and get them to spend their money.

Whatever these companies decide to do, they are fighting a whole new battle. The internet is extremely popular, and CDs are being overrun by digital music. It is time to change and get in tune with the new wave of the future.