The technological explosion of the last few decades has taken mankind to heights it never dreamed possible. One of the most controversial topics of the internet debate is that of ownership. When one puts an idea out on the net who owns it? This question has created tension and turmoil in many fields including literature, litigation and music. Music has long since been at the forefront of controversy when it comes to the Internet and its abilities because of the ease with which it allows in music piracy. Front-page news accounts detail the rise and fall of companies such as Napster and others that made a huge profit on the willingness of consumers to commit music piracy. Music piracy on the Internet has become a multi-million dollar venture and the artists, their agents and the attorneys they hire are constantly working to shut down its existence.
Those who produce intellectual property and those who benefit from it are currently debating the implications it may have on the future of online music. There are basically two sides to the issue. On the one hand, there are those corporate monsters that scream copyright infringement and push with litigation. The recording industry, for the most part, suggests that it is wrong to copy works from others and perhaps return profits for them. This is the basic notion that ideas have value. The primary concern for these people is the lack of revenue from the sale of music albums in stores. They encourage legislation for the sole purpose of protecting their own interests. They don't agree with web sites distributing free music files of which has copyright protection. Moreover, the record industry is investing in new media venture, and seeking partners, to develop online music services for its consumers. This may indeed be the unbalancing of the arguments because they have more influence over government decisions than do the consumers. They can advise governments on the laws needed to protect artists and their creations.