Introduction (Vol.1, Iss.1)

This paper discusses the motivations behind the criminalisation of file sharing, drawing on sociological theory to uncover its relationship to societal versus corporate interests. Although we may perceive that the law responds to those acts which offend society, I argue that legislation prohibiting Peer to Peer (P2P) activity primarily serves the interests of corporate groups. Drawing on a conflict theory approach as well as empirical research regarding user behaviour and economic imperatives it is argued that, in this case, the interests of the music business are favoured over those of users by government.