Australian Federal Police busted Internet music file-sharing site...
Australian Federal Police busted Internet music file-sharing site based in Sydney Thurs., authorities and music industry officials said. Raid on 4 suburban homes followed 7-month investigation of Web site MP3 WMA land, alleged hub for infringing music files that…
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attracted more than 7 million visitors worldwide and cost music industry estimated $37 million in lost sales, International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) said. Authorities seized thousands of music files, including catalog and prerelease material by world’s most popular artists, IFPI said. Hundreds of complete copies of commercially released albums were available for direct download, as well as unauthorized copies of album covers, group said. Police seized computers and other records and arrested 3 students -- 2 Australians aged 19 and 20 and 20-year-old Malaysian -- yet to be identified otherwise. Police said defendants were released on bail and would appear in court in mid-May. Penalty for copyright infringement in Australia includes $37,500 fine or jail term up to 5 years. Authorities said MP3 WMA land consisted of series of mirror sites -- replicas of original sites. One mirror site alone held 7 million hit songs in last 12 months, they said. University computers were used to host many of infringing music files and video clips. Australian Senate recently passed amendments to existing copyright law to facilitate action against music piracy. Music industry there had lobbied for changes.