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Downloading music

Question:

In recent years, many Jewish artists have been posting music videos of their music online for public consumption. There is widely available technology that allows one to convert these online videos to downloadable audio files. Essentially, one can easily download most mainstream Jewish music for free to add to their personal music collection.

Is it permissible to download these songs in such a manner rather than pay to download them from a licensed dealer (or buy a recorded version in a music store.)

Answer:

 

In general it is controversial if it is permitted to download an artist’s songs without his permission. See https://dinonline.org/2019/05/07/copying-for-non-commercial-use/

If however the artist has posted it on the internet for free downloading, and it doesn’t say that it is copyrighted, then it would be permitted, as it is clear that this singer doesn’t mind that this song by downloaded. Otherwise it would still be included in the old controversy.

Best wishes

Sources:

Poskim

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