The illegal downloading of music will continue if steps are not taken to prevent it, an expert asserts.

Dan Grabham, deputy editor of TechRadar.com, comments that the debate of licenses in this area of IT and digital broadcasting needs to be explored if the problem is to be stamped out.

He says that online radio stations must be accountable, with each song played able to be tracked.

Mr Grabham adds that the onus is on the music industry, rather than the IT sector and internet service providers, to tackle this issue.

He states: "It is, however, in the record industry's interests to find a solution as if officially sanctioned services can't continue, then illegal downloading, rather than streaming, will prosper."

Recently, Google shut down access to certain music videos on YouTube in the UK because of the costs involved with paying the writers of these songs shown.

PRS for Music stated that it was "outraged on behalf of consumers and songwriters" at the decision.

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