IFPI Requests An End to Illegal MP3 Distribution

The International Federation of Phonograph Industries (IFPI) vigorously requested authorities at Korean universities to stop the illegal copying and distributing of music. Students are downloading music off the Internet using MP3 technology. The music is stored in computer files or on discs, and it has become very popular among Korean students.
Data released by IFPI, on March 18, revealed that, from June of last year to this Feburary, 94 Internet sites of Korean universities are illegally distributing MP3 files via their own computer servers.
More than 95 percent of all Internet sites in Korea illegally distributing MP3 files are operated by Korean university students.
IFPI assumes that it only detected a fraction of the sites and that there are probably between 2,000 and 3,000 sites distributing unauthorized MP3 files.
IFPI sent letters requesting the end of the practice to Korean universities including Seoul National University. If the illegal distribution of MP3 files is not halted, IFPI is considering laying legal responsibility on Korean universities.

Jangsoo Seo;jsbee@joongang.co.kr