Q&A: Will I be sued for music-swapping?

The industry is targeting uploaders - those who make available tracks in their collection for other people to download - whether it is one song or a million. If you are an uploader, you are infringing copyright and run the risk of being sued.

Could I be sued for swapping just a few songs?

Theoretically, you could. But the BPI says the problem stems from a small hardcore of 'serial uploaders' who offer hundreds or thousands of music files over the internet.

The RIAA took action against a college student in Michigan who ran a network offering more than 650,000 files - the equivalent of more than 43,000 albums. They have chased other users who have again uploaded thousands of files.

The BPI says 15% of file-sharers are responsible for 75% of all songs swapped illegally.