( CNN ) -- Those who possess illegally downloaded of music or films in Japan can face prison term of up to two years and fines of nearly 2 million yen ( U.S. $ 25,679 ) , according to a new law which takes effect Monday . The move is aimed to stop falling music sales in the world 's second largest music market , where industry officials estimate only one in 10 downloads are legally purchased . The new law is a victory for the recording industry 's global fight against online piracy , which has seen setbacks in the U.S. and European Union where the Stop Online Piracy Act ( SOPA ) and the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement ( ACTA ) , respectively , has run afoul of the public , which fears it will curb online freedom and privacy . The Recording Industry Association of Japan says the download music market shrank 16 % in 2011 , the second consecutive year of decline . The slide comes despite global sales of digital music increasing 8 % last year to $ 5.2 billion , according to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry ( IFPI ) . Globally , one in four internet users `` regularly access unlicensed services , '' according to an IFPI/Nielsen survey . The Japanese music industry is hoping to replicate the success of South Korea , which has seen its global market ranking jump to 11th in the world from 23rd after the country cracked down on download piracy beginning in 2007 , according the IFIP 's 2012 `` Digital Music Report . '' South Korean laws require Internet providers to send notices to users who illegally download music , with 70 % of infringers stopping after first notification , IFPI says . The most challenging market for the industry is China , the world 's largest internet market , where an estimated 99 % of all downloaded music is illegal , according to the report . `` China has nearly twice as many internet users as the U.S. , but digital music revenues per user are currently about 1 % of that of the U.S. More than 70 % of music sales in China are digital , but the market has achieved a tiny fraction of its potential , '' the report said . `` In 2010 , China 's overall music sales were worth only $ 67 million , making it a smaller market than Ireland . '' Peer-to-peer piracy levels declined by 26 % in France in 2011 after the implementation of strict new anti-piracy laws , IFPI said .
A new law in Japan threaten prison time and fines for illegal downloads . aimed at reducing piracy in the world 's second largest online market . Similar laws worldwide have run afoul of online freedom and privacy advocates . Japan 's legal online market is growing , while globally grew 8 % last year .