What is music piracy and why is it illegal?

Music piracy refers to the unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use of copyrighted music without proper licensing or payment to the rightful owners. This includes illegal downloads, unauthorized streaming, file sharing, and bootlegging. The law classifies music piracy as a form of copyright infringement, which violates the intellectual property rights of the artist, record label, and other stakeholders. It’s illegal because it deprives creators of their deserved revenue, undermines the music industry’s sustainability, and affects jobs across production, marketing, and distribution. Legal action can be taken against violators, with penalties including hefty fines or even imprisonment in severe cases.