We all know that downloading music illegally can, in some cases, result in court action against you. If you’re unsure about the source of the MP3 downloads, it’s best not to use the site in question. But, what about sites that are based outside of the US and the UK? Every country has it’s own different copyright law, and if you’re actually paying something for the music, does that make it right?

Is paying a little something, even if it’s as little is 10 cents, or 5p per track, enough to protect you from any potential liability from downloading illegal music?

For example, the website AllofMP3.com offers a wide range of tracks to download for just a few pennies each, and because it’s operated out of Russia it claims to be perfectly legit under Russian law. Despite a few attempts to challenge this, the site remains operational and is used by Americans and British alike.

Similarly the websites Weblisten.com and Puretunes.com are operated out of Spain. The latter was sued and shut down as a consequence. But is the fact they do ask you to pay a little any defence against potential criminal investigation?

The answer is definitely what you would call a grey area. The legality of the websites is in dispute, and while they may be legal in their own country they’re definitely questionable in the UK and the US.

You’ll have to make your own call on whether you choose to use sites like this.