Concerns about social media ethics: Rhapsody's Stake in Ethics

Rhapsody has a major stake in the ethical dilemma issue. The problem revolves in copyright infringement. It is possible for a Rhapsody user to share their user name/password with their friends and other users. This is an ethical dilemma because than the person that is listening to the copyrighted music is not paying for the music. Listening to "illegal music" or music that is under copyright without payment, is a major problem for the music industry.

Experts in social media are typically tech savvy, which elevates the probability that they download or listen to music illegally. This is because in order to listen to music illegally, or pirate music, a higher level of knowledge is necessary than simply paying for the songs on iTunes or equivalent. Further, as the social media realm grows, each individual must have the knowledge that downloading copyrighted music is illegal.

What can Rhapsody do to implement social media with their services? Why not sponsor concerts for popular artists, and in the contract include the fact that sponsoring allows for Rhapsody to publish the concerts on their personal social media platforms. This would increase business opportunities for both Rhapsody and the starving artists who have their hard work stolen from them.

Is it ethical to download free music?
Penn Point's perspective. - Viewer discretion is advised.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlEBh_98lIo

Illegal downloads and dodgey figures:
http://newsgrist.typepad.com/underbelly/2009/06/-illegal-downloads-and-dodgy-figures.html
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