How Many copyright Laws has he broken?

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The discussion centers around the legal implications of downloading and uploading copyrighted material, particularly in the context of a person who has amassed a large collection of movies through internet downloads. In the U.S., downloading and uploading copyrighted content can lead to severe penalties, including potential criminal charges and civil lawsuits, especially if money is involved. Each download can be considered a separate violation, leading to multiple charges for extensive collections. In contrast, Canadian law allows downloading under certain conditions, as users pay a tax on media devices to offset copyright costs. The conversation also touches on the ethical considerations of file-sharing, noting that while downloading may be legal in some contexts, uploading is generally illegal. Participants discuss the nuances of copyright law across different countries and the varying enforcement levels, with a humorous acknowledgment of the risks involved in file-sharing activities.
dekoi
I've always wondered...

Someone i know downloads a ridiculous amount of data from the internet. It is unbelievable how much he downloads and uploads. He owns over a hundred movies, full DVD’s, all ripped from the internet.

If he was somehow caught uploading or downloading, what do you think the fine would be? How many laws would he have broken?


(dekoi does not participate in any illegal activity; this reply's mention to illegal activities is strictly hypothetical ) :smile:
 
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The most common way a young person asks for help is to say "My friend..."
 
I don't know Canadian laws. In the US, if they really wanted to make an example of you, and some do, you'd have the FBI knocking at the door confiscating your computer for evidence and arresting you. The reason it would be the FBI is that transactions over the internet fall under the category of interstate commerce, so aren't really enforced by local law enforcement. Of course, that might also depend on whether they thought any money had exchanged hands in the transaction. It might be more of a civil suit if nothing is being bought and sold. I'm sure the cost if caught if far more than the cost of buying that stuff legitimately.
 
Technically each download is a separate violation of the law, so if your friend has obtained "over a hundred movies", then that is over a hundred violations for which he can be prosecuted at the discretion of those whose copyrights have been violated.

Most countries have reciprocity regarding copyright and patent law (either through bilateral or multilateral agreements or treaties), but the judicial administrator of one country does not have jurisdiction in another country and vice versa. The copyright owner must file charges in the country where the offense has occurred.
 
He'd be about throat deep in a real POS.
 
In Canada it is completely legal to download files from the internet since your paying an additional tax on all cds, mp3 players, etc to defray the cost. In the United States you can go to jail for some years.
 
dduardo said:
In Canada it is completely legal to download files from the internet since your paying an additional tax on all cds, mp3 players, etc to defray the cost.

Could you please post a reference for this? Thanks.

Why do people upload anyway? Do all "uploaders" have a site that advertises or something?
 
Gonzolo said:
Why do people upload anyway? Do all "uploaders" have a site that advertises or something?
File-sharing ethics! :-p If no one uploads, how do you expect to download anything?
 
  • #10
dduardo said:
http://news.com.com/2100-1025_3-5121479.html?tag=nefd_lede

Downloading is legal, uploading isn't

Now that sounds more like the way Canadians would do things! :-p You can download all you want, but if nobody uploads, that doesn't get you very far. It actually makes a surprising amount of sense though. Afterall, the person with the actual CD in their hands has that little bit about it being copyright protected material right in front of them, so have fair notice that what they are about to do is illegal, while it's a lot harder for someone downloading to really know (if they should know is another issue) whether the material is being distributed with permission or not.
 
  • #11
So as a Canadian can I legally download movies? What about movies that haven't came out on video?
 
  • #12
I download tons of stuff, COME GET ME :biggrin:
 
  • #13
I drive a couple hundred miles to the Canadian border for my monthly quota of downloading :wink:
 
  • #14
You wouldn't get in trouble unless you distribute them...
 
  • #15
I have 2-3 hard drives full of everything from Music to Videos to Games, I don't know anyone who's even been charged (ok, I do know ONE, but he's an american) downloading is openly discussed in public areas, it's not an issue in Canada.
 
  • #16
Smurf said:
The most common way a young person asks for help is to say "My friend..."
No way. :shy:
Well i guess I am going to jail. Actually... no, I'm an incredible leacher when it comes to files.
 

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