In a stunning turnabout, the R.I.A.A. has announced a new amnesty program for computer users who have shared and/or downloaded copyrighted files illegally.

The new program, christened "Files for Free HD Time", works like this: you go to a special website setup by the R.I.A.A. where you can upload any previously illegally downloaded files. In other words: give them back and avoid prosecution. Plus, for every 12 files you put back, you will be rewarded with certificates for 120 Free HD Radio minutes which can be used in any city where HD Radio is now operating.

"We're very excited about this new amnesty program and our lawyers are especially looking forward to filing much less litigation in the future," said spokesperson, April Furst.

To see how many files have already been returned or to return any illegally shared files you may have on your computer, visit the R.I.A.A. Amnesty Website.

Related: RIAA Claims Music On Car Radios Meant Only For Original Vehicle Owner!

R.I.A.A. Stories from the News Archive:
* RIAA Worried Digital Radio Will Create New Peer To Peer Sharing
* RIAA: Not Happy With Portable Satellite Receivers
* XM Radio, RIAA Not Happy About Recording Software

What Happened On This Day in Radio History: April 1