Is downloading copyrighted material on file-hosting sites illegal?

Question

As stated in the question.

For example, if you download an album of music that someone else uploaded onto Rapidshare, are you technically breaking the law/liable for charges?

I've read that only people that distribute (upload) the materials are liable, not the ones that download it for personal use. Something to do with the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

Is this true? Can anyone explain this?

Answer 1

Both you as the down-loader, and the individual who uploaded are breaking the law...

You are breaking the law for making a copy of copyrighted materials, and the up-loader, has broken law for doing the same, the site that hosts the file also as an accessory to the fact are breaking the law too.

Bet you feel great about your expanding music collection now huh?

Answer 2

When you download a copyrighted work, you make a copy of it. Making copies of copyrighted works is illegal.

Answer 3

Yes ALL illegal, personal use too....