Website of the UK government

Illegal downloads

Although there are many sites where you can legally download these files by paying a fee, many internet users continue to break the law by downloading copyright-protected files for free. You do not necessarily have to pay to download all copyright-protected material, and there are many sites offering free files. You should research any download site your child is planning to use to check if they are legal.

The various industries affected by illegal downloading now monitor the internet and can take legal action ranging from fines to suing (most likely the parents, as they are seen to take responsibility for their child’s actions).

The Pro Music website lists hundreds of safe and legal download sites:

• Pro Music website - list of legal download sites Opens new window

Peer-to-peer file sharing

Peer-to-peer file sharing is when data that has been uploaded/downloaded is made available for free to other individuals over the internet. As the internet is used by millions of people, file sharing creates a super library of files available to anyone who is online.

File sharing copyright-protected material is just as serious as illegal downloading as you are helping to distribute illegally downloaded data.

In order to use file sharing sites you normally have to download special software. Often this will leave an icon on the desktop of your PC. If you think your child may be downloading files illegally or without your permission, check the desktop to see if there are any icons you don’t recognise.

The dangers of downloading and file sharing

Apart from breaking copyright, which the law views as theft, other possible dangers include:

• viruses – downloading files or software can put computers at risk from potentially harmful programs
• theft – participating in file sharing can allow other computers to view all of the files on your computer, which means that information (for example, bank details, personal documents) can be stolen
• unsuitable images – if your child is using an illegal download site they cannot be sure of the content they are getting, and they may be exposed to a variety of pornographic, violent or age-inappropriate content
• exposure to potentially dangerous strangers – it is possible to chat to other users on some file sharing sites, which leaves your child open to risks such as grooming, bullying and abuse

What parents can do

As a parent you can:

• explain the risks to your child –  they are exposing both you and themselves to legal action
• make sure they know that filesharing and illegal downloading is viewed as theft
• check your computer(s) regularly – sites logged in a computer's history or new icons/software can suggest illegal activity
• research free and legal downloading sites – locate suitable sites for your child to use

More information and advice for parents can be found in the document linked below, which is available in nine languages.

• Young People, Music and the Internet - A Guide for Parents about P2P, File Sharing and Downloading Opens new window

More useful links

• Learn more about internet safety with your child by paying a visit to The Internet Cafe on Directgov Kids Opens new window