internet downloading and piracy

In its traditional sense downloading is the transfer of electronic data between two computers. However in more recent times this transfer no longer is restricted to just take place between computers but between cellphones and between a computer and removable media such as CDs. Such transfers take place at very fast speeds and can enable internet users to download anything from music files, movies, games and videos.

For in as much as this is interesting and makes life easier for users of such technology, there is an array of issues that come to the surface such as the illegal downloading of music for instance which impacts hugely on artists as fans no longer have to go to music outlets to purchase cds and dvds for instance but would rather purchase pirated materials. In this manner it brings to the fore issues of unethicity since creators of pirated work cheat the work of others by enjoying the fruits of their labour but giving nothing back in return as on many occasions, popular musicians and artists whose works have contributed to building and nourishing the soul of their respective nations like our very own Mahlathini of Mahlathini and Mahhotela Queens fame have died so poor that his family struggled to give him a proper and dignified burial.
Even before their death most artists struggle to live a decent life as the result of piracy as millions of rands, dollars, etc are lost in this activity. With this in sight then maybe it is imperative that more attention was drawn to the problem of policy vaccuum that exists in technology and someone needs to come up with ways to deal effectively with problems of illegal downloading hence the industry affected is a multi-billion dollar one and thus it should not be that hard to finance surveillance initiatives.