Is Kazaa illegal?

No. Like all file-sharing software, including your Web browser, it probably is illegal if the files you share (upload/download) are copyrighted and normally paid for. Kazaa itself isn't a particularly efficient program compared to other file sharing (P2P) programs and tends to lend itself to abuse (spyware, fake files, etc.). See Related Links for more information on alternatives.

Personal opinions & experiences

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Any peer to peer program that allows you to download and save music to your computer without paying a fee, is illegal, period. I don't care what anyone tells you. It is ILLEGAL! Unless it is music by unknown or known artists who have given their permission for free downloads.

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Only if you are using it to share copyright protected material. File-sharing software if perfectly legal; it is what YOU choose to do with it that determines whether your usage of it remains legal or becomes criminal.

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Many of these answers are to another question: is downloading protected files wrong. Of course it's illegal. As for whether its wrong, I suppose that depends on how you feel about stealing CDs from the store. It's really not that much different. You could say that you are not stealing from a small business, but since you don't have to buy a record from them anymore, you sort of are.

There are ways of using the service responsibly, even if you do break the law, without being unethical. Use it to discover new music (as I have time and time again), and then buy a record. And you probably shouldn't feel too bad about downloading music recorded by someone who has died, as long as you don't go overboard.

Sometimes Amazon samples are just not enough.

I don't feel bad about using the service because I know I have purchased more music than I would have. But that would be a terrible defense in court.

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