Illegally downloading music is not theft. NOONE has been charged with 'theft' for file-sharing...they've only been charged with 'copywrite infringement' which is a completely different charge.

The Theft Act of 1968 in English law states

"A person is guilty of theft, if he dishonestly appropriates property belonging to another with the intention of permanently depriving the other of it". (Section 1)

The key here is that file-sharing does not 'deprive the rightful owner of their property'. Cause when you download a file...you are not denying the use of that file from the owner.

Not really debateable....the proof is in the pudding. NOONE HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH THEFT FOR ILLEGALLY DOWNLOADING.

It's copywrite infringement...and it has only been charged to those that either share and/or upload the content which is clearly illegal. In fact, I'm pretty sure that exclusively downloading material is not even technically illegal. It's only illegal if someone gets the material from YOU.

Can anyone confirm that for me.....the uploader/sharer is guilty of copywrite infringement but the downloader is not?