Surfers want MP3 downloads legalised

An overwhelming majority of US internet users believe that they should be allowed to listen to legally purchased music on all devices, including across the internet.

Almost all of the 507 frequent web users surveyed by MP3.com believed they should have the right to listen to over the web and store CDs they have purchased, and a further 80 per cent said copyright laws should not infringe on an individual's access to legally purchased music.

Robin Richards, president and chief operating officer at MP3.com, said the message from internet users is clear. "Legally purchased CDs should be accessible to the owner, even online."

Unsurprisingly, the survey supports the company's argument that individuals uploading CDs they have previously purchased does not break copyright laws because they have already paid for the items.

The company was recently ordered to pay $118m in damages to Universal Music Group after a judge found it to be liable for copyright infringement. At issue was MP3.com's My.mp3.com service which enabled consumers to store their CDs online.

MP3.com said it commissioned the survey after a number of US Congress members asked about consumer attitudes to the subject of listeners' rights.

In the survey, which was carried out by Luntz Research, 83 per cent of those polled said they agree that "new technologies are out-pacing current copyright laws". Similarly, 86 per cent said they believed that existing laws should be revised to accommodate advances in new technologies.

Of those polled, 74 per cent also believe that consumers who upload their purchased CDs onto computers, or access the tracks from a commercial website, should not be required to pay royalties or additional fees to record companies.

Some 55 per cent of internet users wanted the US government to address current problems related to copyright laws and music on the internet, rather than leave such issues up to the courts.