Music piracy, also known as music theft, is the act of illegally downloading or sharing copyrighted music without the permission of its owner. Other synonyms for music piracy include bootlegging, counterfeiting, unauthorized duplication, and copyright infringement. These acts are considered illegitimate and are punishable by law. Music piracy not only harms the financial returns of music artists, but it also deprives them of the recognition and support they deserve. In fact, it is estimated that the music industry suffers a loss of billions of dollars each year due to piracy. It is important for individuals to understand the consequences of music piracy and support the music industry by purchasing music legally.