Just last week, an Internet service provider was subpoenaed to give details about a Kazza user who was sharing 600 music files online. This took place in America but given a few more years, this might actually happen in Singapore.

Music piracy contributed to a worldwide loss in revenue of US$4.3 billion in the year 2001. This alarming and growing figure has caused a great deal of concern amongst many music labels, which actively use all technological means to try and stamp out this financially damaging phenomenon. In Singapore, 10 - 25% of our music material is pirated. In a bid to rescue our image as a country that does not tolerate piracy, raids have been stepped up to deal with those who are willing to risk their freedom for some quick earnings.

The answer to why music piracy, regardless of whether it involves ripping off music from the net or buying...