So far, however, it can't prevent widespread unauthorized online distribution of recorded music. Nearly all recorded music has already been distributed in digital form through the sale of CDs. Anyone can turn these works into audio files and distribute them on the Internet in an unprotected form. Whatever technological fix the industry devises for new recordings cannot protect works already in the public's hands. Even encryption may not protect new music against uncompensated distribution.
Transmissions are instantaneous and worldwide.
This changes the dynamics of record piracy. Today, piracy is cheap, quick and easy. Every Web site and every Internet user in the world is a potential source of unauthorized distribution of music. Compounding the enforcement problem, the industry will not likely be able to ensure that audio players operate only with files containing particular codes. Not all sound is music.