MP3 sites accused of music 'hijack'

The sites argue that they increase music sales

Rock group Metallica have accused online music distributors of "hijacking" their music.

The accusation came during United States Senate judiciary committee hearings into the future of online digital music, which started in Washington on Tuesday.

Napster is helping and not hurting the recording industry and artists. More access to music leads to more interest in music and more music sales

Napster CEO Hank Barry

Metallica sued Napster, one of several internet music companies, for copyright infringement in April.

Some of the US's biggest recording labels last month brought law suits against MP3Board.com, an internet site which allows users to download music for free.

The sites use digital compression technology that allows CD quality audio files to be easily stored on home computers and distributed over the internet.

'Without permission'

"Napster hijacked our music without asking," Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich told the hearing.

Ulrich met the head of Napster at the hearings

"They never sought our permission. Our catalogue of music simply became available for free downloads on the Napster system," Mr Ulrich said.

Metallica members monitored 300,000 users downloading 1.4 million copies of their music during one 48-hour period.

'Helping the industry'

The head of Napster, Hank Barry, who also testified at the hearing, said the site, which has 20 million users, was increasing music sales, which he argued were up 8% last year.

Let's not strangle the baby in the crib. Let's make it work

Patrick Leahy, Democratic Senator for Vermont

"Napster is helping and not hurting the recording industry and artists. More access to music leads to more interest in music and more music sales," Mr Barry said.

He argued that Napster does not make any profit because it does not charge for its service, nor can it be considered infringing on copyright laws because it does not copy, make or transfer music files.

New technologies

Sony Music executive Fred Erlich told the hearing that his company was willing to investigate and invest in new technologies as long as copyright laws keep pace with technology to protect artists.

"We view digital distribution as offering ways to expand the value chain associated with the music while also offering ease and quality and choice for the music fan," said Mr Erlich.

"If in the future this value chain is not honoured and compensation declines, it will be very difficult to sustain the level of investment involved in developing music and that would be a shame both for the artistic world as well as for the consumer."

Members of the Senate committee said they were reluctant to enact any new legislation, noting that laws designed to protect intellectual property could crush technological innovation.

"Let's not strangle the baby in the crib. Let's make it work," said Patrick Leahy, Democratic Senator from Vermont.