We’ve previously written about the problems facing Russia’s AllofMP3. First, due to pressure from the RIAA, credit card companies blacklisted the site. Then the RIAA sued it. Now it appears the RIAA’s battle was for naught.

Torrent Freak - July 2, 2007:

AllOfMp3, the popular online music store, has been shut down by the Russian government. Pressure from the United States, and a refusal to enter the World Trade Organisation (WTO) convinced the Kremlin to take the website down for good.

Before the shutdown AllOfMP3 had nearly 6 million users who were able to download songs and albums for a fraction of the price from authorized alternatives such as the iTunes Store. MP3s were sold for $0.20 per song, or less.

It is not clear how effective the shutdown of AllOfMP3 will be. Most users will probably move to MP3sparks, a similar service with a similar setup, launched by the same company. This site is not illegal under Russian law because they use a different licensing model.

Here we go again!