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Muxtape, the internet site allowing users to create playlists of their favourite mp3s in a way similar to creating mixtapes on cassettes, has been closed down by the Recording Industry Association Of America (RIAA).

Currently, users who open Muxtape.com are greeted with a single-sentence statement saying the site is offline, though they insist it will return.

"Muxtape will be unavailable for a brief period while we sort out a problem with the RIAA," explains the site.

A spokesperson for RIAA confirmed that it was responsible for closing the website down, reports Ars Technical, declaring: "For the past several months, we [RIAA] have communicated concerns to Muxtape on behalf of our members. Muxtape has not yet obtained authorisation from our member companies to host or stream copies of their sound recordings."

However, a blog posting by the creators of Muxtape was defiant that the site wouldn't stay offline.

It said: "No artists or labels have complained. The site is not closed indefinitely. Stay tuned."

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