Are there legal consequences for people who download pirated music?

Yes, downloading or sharing pirated music can lead to serious legal consequences. Copyright infringement laws are in place to protect creators, and violators can face civil lawsuits, fines, or even criminal charges depending on the severity and intent. In many countries, authorities can track IP addresses of illegal downloaders and issue legal notices. Penalties may include statutory damages ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars per infringing act. While casual downloaders may often go unnoticed, repeat offenders or those distributing content on a large scale are more likely to face legal action. Legal music platforms are always the safer alternative.