The Russian web site AllofMP3.com has been offering mp3 downloads for significantly less than the $0.99 (US) per piece typical for other web sources. A news item suggests that anyone who wants a bunch might want to grab them before the site goes down, although the details are a bit fuzzy.

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Update: U.S., Russia Target AllofMP3.com for Shutdown, 11.29.06, By Mark Hachman

According to a document released by the U.S. Trade Representative to Russia, controversial MP3 download site AllofMP3.com is to be targeted for closure by U.S. and Russian authorities.

The meeting was characterized as the results of "bilateral negotiations on Russia's accession to the World Trade Organization". A spokesman for AllofMP3.com said Wednesday that the site would not be shut down.

The document, a "fact sheet" dated Nov. 19, identifies AllofMp3.com as an example of "Internet piracy".

"The United States and Russia agreed on the objective of shutting down websites that permit illegal distribution of music and other copyright works. The agreement names the Russia-based website allofmp3.com as an example of such a website.

"Russia will take enforcement actions against the operation of Russia-based websites; and investigate and prosecute companies that illegally distribute copyright works on the Internet," the sheet added.

Russia said it would also act by June 1, 2007 to take action and prevent rights societies from taking action without consent of the rights holders themselves; AllofMP3.com claims it holds licenses from the Russian Licensing Societies, including the Federation of Rights Holders for Collective Management of Copyright with Respect to the Use of Musical Works in Interactive Regime (FAIR) and the Russian Organization on Collective Management of Rights of Authors and Other Right Holders in Multimedia, Digital Networks & Visual Arts (ROMS).

The meeting was designed to "strengthen border enforcement against piracy and counterfeiting," according to the USTR document. Among other concerns was bringing Russia in line with the Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, known as the TRIPS Agreement.

However, a spokesman for AllofMP3.com denied the report.

"AllofMP3 will not shut down and the Russian authorities have not agreed to shut down the company," a company spokesman said. "The Russian government agreed to make changes to the Copyright Law but the changes are far from being decided. However, AllofMP3 will alter its business plan to fit within the new parameters."

AllofMP3.com has said previously that it would move to an ad-subsidized format.

Editor's Note: This story was updated at 5:04 PM EDT on Nov. 29 with comments from an AllofMP3.com representative.

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