1992
MPEG1-Layer3, also known as MP3, is developed by the International Organization for Standardization in Geneva.

October, 1992
The Copyright Act of 1976 is amended to allow a surcharge on blank cassettes and digital recorders to allay recording industry fears.

Aug. 8, 1995
The Senate passes the Digital Performance Rights Act of 1995 to impose royalties and certain license restrictions on digital transmissions of sound recordings by subscription broadcast or interactive on-demand delivery systems.

March, 1998
MP3.com launches a site designed for undiscovered bands to promote their music using the MP3 format.

April, 1998
Atlantic Records offers a song by Tori Amos for download to fans that preordered her album, “From the Choirgirl Hotel.”

May 5, 1998
Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) sends cease and desist letters to a junior at Arizona State University, Fred Cohen, who posted music online without securing the rights to do so.