Is it legal to play mp3s on your site?

[keith021773]

Hey all.   If I install a mp3 player on my site and put songs on it that I like (ones that are on the radio or ones from a cd that I have).   Is that legal?   To let my members listen to them that way? 

[Optmusprime]

yes it is legal AS long as there is no way for them to downlode them

[ukrob12]

No, it isn't legal. Many people do it however, without consequence.

If you do want to add music to your site legally, there is a huge amount of great unsigned/independant music out there. If you look at "podsafe" sites as well you'll right away find music where the artists have said they allow you to use their music in this way (non-commercial, and giving credit).

I do believe its also legal to play up to 30 seconds of a song (i.e. a clip).

[G6Cad]

No, it isn't legal. Many people do it however, without consequence.

Exactly  !

[Optmusprime]

No, it isn't legal. Many people do it however, without consequence.

If you do want to add music to your site legally, there is a huge amount of great unsigned/independant music out there. If you look at "podsafe" sites as well you'll right away find music where the artists have said they allow you to use their music in this way (non-commercial, and giving credit).

I do believe its also legal to play up to 30 seconds of a song (i.e. a clip).

ok my mistake i was told that it was legal

[keith021773]

Hmm..   Well, now I don't know if I want to do it or not.   LOL    I would like to add music that everyone likes, but I don't want to do anything illegal.

Suggestions?

[Porky]

Here is the law pertaining to the United States
http://cyber.law.harvard.edu/mp3/

What this means for operators of web sites who wish to provide their users with MP3 files, either by streaming or downloading, is that they must first obtain a license by paying a fee to the appropriate agency. A performing rights organization such as ASCAP can issue a blanket license which will cover performances of all the music in its repertoire. Recently, ASCAP signed a ground-breaking deal with MP3.com in precisely this fashion. However, after the implementation of this Act, there are now three potential tiers of licensing with which the hapless would-be music distributor would do well to become familiar. There is the license for performing the work (the same as in the non-Internet world, and handled by an organization like ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC), then there is the license for the digital performance right in the sound recording (often being handled by RIAA now), and the license for the distribution right in the phonorecord (a mechanical royalty like those handled by the Harry Fox Agency). The industry catchphrase these days is "one-stop shopping" and it doesn't exist. One must negotiate separate licenses on all three levels or risk the possibility of suit.

The link to obtain a licensing  is http://www.ascap.com/weblicense/webfaq.html

[TolerancE]

Being as I work for broadband abuse and police people who share music, movies etc. As long as the music isn't being shared or sold, you should not have much to worry about as far as being prosecuted. It still isn't technically legal, but you wouldn't be under the umbrella of pirating or stealing music.

[parentingdiscussions]

Just my two cents about this issue.

It is true it is not legal to put those songs on your site, and between everyone here, I really don't give a flying birdy what is wrong or right. I have them on my site and it works just great and I haven't gotten any one complaining just yet, and if they do I will just simply remove them for a time being to make the people happy.

Just keep this in mind though. Those files you put on your site can be downloaded very easily, they just need to find the directory where the files are and download them right from there, I wouldn't put too many songs in your list either, maybe a few dozen or so, and cycle them from time to time, the more songs you have the more chance you have with someone making a complaint.

The RIAA might look at you, but if you only have a few dozen songs they might turn the other way, or send you a nice letter telling you to remove the songs from your list.

Just don't draw attention to yourself, and you will be ok.

[alan s]

Well this might suit some people but it is actually legal to stream music on the internet without paying a fee as long as the music clip is less than 90 Seconds , Djs use this to create mix's which is actually how i know about that , So as long as any music clip is less than 90 Seconds your ok.

Also , If your hosting server is located in Holland , Switzerland , Belgium or Germany , As long as your music is not openly available for download ( As in you dont have any links posted to the mp3 file ) you can stream the music , This is because the copyright laws are much more casual there , although there are new copyright laws coming into Germany in the next few weeks , which is why the huge file hosting site , rapidshare.de , had to close down.