One of the world’s most-used websites for pirating music has been shut down.

Germany-based stream ripping site Convert2MP3 has ceased to operate following legal action coordinated by global recording industry body IFPI and BVMI in Germany.

The settlement, which included undisclosed financial compensation, required the global shutdown of Convert2MP3 and any other infringing sites owned by the operator.

Sites like Convert2MP3 literally allow you to convert streamed audio to an mp3 file; i.e. they allow the extraction and permanent download of copyrighted audio files from streaming services like YouTube.

Convert2MP3 reportedly had 684 million visits over the past 12 months.

Additionally, the site is required to hand over the Convert2MP3 domains to IFPI and agree to not infringe recorded music copyright in future.

A court in Germany previously granted a preliminary injunction in respect of Convert2MP3 on the basis that effective technological protection measures were circumvented via the service, and that it produced or owned software which allowed this to take place.

“The successful outcome of this case sends a clear signal to other stream ripping sites that they should stop their copyright infringing activities or face legal action.” Frances Moore, IFPI

Frances Moore, Chief Executive, IFPI, said: “Stream ripping is a threat to the entire music ecosystem. Sites such as Convert2MP3 show complete disregard for the rights of artists and record companies and take money away from those creating and investing in music.

“The successful outcome of this case sends a clear signal to other stream ripping sites that they should stop their copyright infringing activities or face legal action.”

“We are seeing an increasing understanding on the part of the courts and the fans that digital licensing is crucial for the creative industries and that business cases based on free riding are unacceptable.” Dr. Florian Drücke, BVMI

Dr. Florian Drücke, Chairman & CEO BVMI, added: “This is a great success for the digital music market.

“Since the music industry has transformed into a digital business it is of the utmost importance that the rights of artists and their partners are protected online.

“We are seeing an increasing understanding on the part of the courts and the fans that digital licensing is crucial for the creative industries and that business cases based on free riding are unacceptable.”Music Business Worldwide