Distribute MP3 Files (to listen) on a Social Network website? Legal?

[dkr]

Hi,

I am working on a large social networking community, and am trying to get past the mp3-in-profile-pages thing. My question is if it is legal to have a database of mp3 songs for users to choose, and display in their profile pages for other users to listen, all hosted on my server. I know wimpyplayer offers a mp3 player, allowing you to play mp3 songs on websites. However, is this legal if no downloads are involved, just to listen?

Thank you,
Donny

 

[labrocca]

100 percent illegal and not something you want to do. The hosting them on your server is the serious big No-No. You need to make sure illegal content is either uploaded by members OR hosted by someone else that can't be linked to you.

 

[dkr]

So basically if I offer a service where users may upload mp3s onto their own profile, instead of selecting them from a pre-set list, it would all work out fine?

 

[Erdy]

Myspace offers a service as you describe but I bet they are paying for copyright of the music.

 

[Ronald Regging]

So basically if I offer a service where users may upload mp3s onto their own profile, instead of selecting them from a pre-set list, it would all work out fine?

No.

The only real legal way to do it is like Myspace does. Allow bands to create profiles and upload their music. Then allow users to select from those bands and songs to put on their profile. Not sure the legal ramifications if a user links to a third party mp3 hosted on another site using mp3 player code they add to their profile.

 

[jberryhill]

No and no.