* when users are sharing content there is no way to monitor who owns what. This makes it impossible to accurately figure out how much to pay the musicians and record labels--and the big music companies won't tolerate that.

* Finally, many files being shared on peer-to-peer networks are distributed without the permission of the person or company who owns the copyright on that work. Downloading, or making available for download, these copyrighted works can be a violation of federal law. Many copyright owners monitor P2P networks to find infringers, and large industry organizations have stated that they will file lawsuits against individual sharers. If you are sued, the damages can be significant.