Send music: is this allowed?

You can not only send music via email and download link, but also conveniently via smartphone. We will tell you whether this is allowed in this practical tip.

Allowed or not: Can I send music?

• If a piece of music was acquired legally, you may pass it on as a private copy in accordance with Section 53 (1) UrhG (Copyright Act). Private copies may be passed on to up to 7 close friends and relatives after a fundamental judgment.
• However, this rule only applies to CDs without copy protection. Nowadays, every CD and every legal MP3 download is provided with a copy protection. You can no longer rely on the private copy.
• If you do not know from which source the music is sent, the distribution is not allowed anyway. If you buy a song on iTunes or stream it on Spotify, you are also not authorized to pass on the music under the terms and conditions.
• Disclosure is therefore generally not permitted. However, since you are not under the watchful eye of authorities or rights holders when it comes to the private transfer of music, a transfer in the private sphere can be carried out without hesitation and without legal consequences.

In the next practical tip, we will show you how to send music with your iPhone.