Stopping the Music

ConsumerReports

In the wake of recent warnings andlawsuits brought by the Recording IndustryAssociation of America and othermusic industry groups, parents may findit confusing to determine what's legal andwhat isn't—and to determine what theirkids are really up to online. is offering a free special reportdevoted to the perils of Internet musicdownloading. The free report, availableat www.consumerreports.org, addressesquestions like how to tell whether a familymember is using a computer (PC orMac) to share copyrighted music; whatto do if a peer-to-peer music-sharingprogram—or the music itself—is foundon your computer; and how to disablemusic-sharing features that a familymember may be using to break the law,intentionally or otherwise.