Overall, there shouldn t be a place where music can be shared without the artist s consent to share their original work with peers online. Napster has been an ongoing issue for many universities around the country. They have had to formulate and revise new policies on piracy on the Internet. Not only are learning institutions in the middle of the conflict, but students, musicians and record companies are affected as well. The RIAA has been trying to enforce the ban of Napster through enforcement of the law and an explanation of the wrongdoings of Napster to students who continue to use the program, or are involved in other such programs.
Musicians have the right their music and students have the right to their freedom on the Net.
Administrators and RIAA officials are trying to find a middle ground without interfering with the rights of either. The issue of Napster among college students is a never-ending cycle. There will always be MP3 swapping available somewhere on the Net whether it be through Napster or another music provider. The controversy has created conflict among many universities and the piracy of music over the Internet will always be a problem.