Is it illegal to download music from U tube?

[sandyRoe]

Just for my own amusement.

[pink-kittens]

i do it all the time, or rather i convert the files into mp3's for my phone

[factor-fiction]

When I go on you tube there's an option that pops up for me to download using realplayer

[ChuckFickens]

Assuming the music is subject to copyright then yes it is.

[Buenchico]

Strictly interpreted, UK copyright laws are (in the view of many people) rather draconian.

For example, if you record a TV programme (onto a VHS tape, DVD or PVR) you're only legally permitted to do so for 'time shift' purposes. (i.e. so that you can watch the programme, on a single occasion, after it was originally broadcast). Retaining a copy of that programme after you've watched it is an offence. (However I'm not actually expecting any form of 'officialdom' to come knocking on my door because I've got a few VHS TV recordings which are around 20 years old!).

Similarly, right-clicking on any internet image, and selecting 'Save', breaches copyright law (unless that image is 'copyright free').

Downloading (copyright) music from the internet (whether that be from a peer-to-peer network or from Youtube) is a civil offence, for which you can be sued but not prosecuted. Uploading (copyright) music counts as 'distribution', which is both a criminal offence (for which you can be prosecuted) as well as a civil offence.

Chris