Is it illegal for a forum to host download links to music and apps...Without actually hosting it on the forum's server (i.e. Rapidshare etc...)?
It is a gray area depending on where you are. For me I won't advise doing it as the legal issues may be a big enough headache as compared to whatever gains the forum may bring.
it is violation of Law whether you host them on forums server or post the links from internet . we can host / post only our creations for which we have the sole rights . we may also host / post the open source music / software .
You still may be prosecuted as long as your country of residence isn't "offshore". Live in Sweden, host in Sweden