The internet facilitated the sharing of media. This also made the illegal distribution of media significantly easier. Anyone with an internet connection can upload or download music at any given time. This gave rise to The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). This act made the distribution of copyrighted media punishable by law; furthermore, it also makes ISP (Internet Service Providers) liable for not report illegal actions. 

U.S and other governments have place copyright laws to protect artist’s work.  The No Electronic Theft Act of 1997 made copyright violations punishable by law. Offenders could be fine up to $250,000 and five years in prison.