This article outlines how major music artists have used legal action to respond to leaks of unreleased songs and private material, arguing that leaks undermine creative control, release plans and artists’ relationships with fans.

– Ariana Grande has sued unnamed hackers, alleging repeated theft and release of unreleased songs, photos and videos since 2011.
– BTS, Madonna, Megan Thee Stallion, Ye and Kelsea Ballerini are among artists cited as having taken action over leaks.
– Artists argue that only they should decide when recordings are complete and released; Madonna described a 2015 album leak as damaging to the artistic process.
– Music lawyer Tal Dickstein says lawsuits cannot usually remove leaked material from the internet, but can identify perpetrators and deter future leaks.
– In 2008, Guns N’ Roses leaker Kevin Cogill was arrested after posting nine tracks from Chinese Democracy; he later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanour and received two months’ home confinement.