Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Using Illegal Movie Downloads Is Just Not Smart

By Ramon Mckee

With technology advancing at such a rate that it is now commonplace to have at least one home computer in the house, connected to high-speed internet, illegal movie downloads are becoming an ever bigger problem. Many people do not realize that they are downloading illegally, and most have no idea of the impact of their actions. However, this is a very important subject to broach, as it affects many industries and individuals.

Definition of illegal downloading

Every country has its own set of rules and regulations regarding copyrighted and downloaded materials. The following information should give you a rough idea of whether a download is legal or illegal.

Sometimes movie pirates are able to make movies available before download before they have finished playing cinemas, and sometimes before they have even been released in theaters. These copies are always illegal. You will find that legal DVD versions are generally released three months after they have played in cinemas. Where something has been made available before that time, it is guaranteed to have been obtained without the appropriate permissions.

One of the most common ways of downloading movies is through file-sharing services. Generally, if an individual provides copyrighted materials to another individual without appropriate permission, that individual is engaging in an illegal activity. In many countries, those people who download this copyrighted material are also deemed to be participating in an illegal activity. Peer-to-peer downloads, such as those obtained through BitTorrents, are usually an unlawful way to obtain movies.

What is the impact of these downloads?

Whenever a movie is downloaded illegally, the lawful owner of that material is being robbed of profit they would otherwise have received through movie sales. When considered in the context of movie producers or actors who already possess millions of dollars, it may be difficult to see how this is unfair. However, movie makers are not the only ones missing out. In fact, the impact is probably felt most by cinemas and video stores. If the problem becomes worse, it could easily jeopardize smaller, local businesses.

Australian film in particular suffers from this issue. The industry, which is already struggling, is said to lose several hundred million dollars each year because of illegal downloading of films. Australian film makers are greatly limited in their ability to produce more films, by this financial loss. They need viewer support so that they can continue to produce quality films that express Australian culture and identity, creativity and ingenuity.

Can you be prosecuted for illegal downloading?

Depending on which country you live in, you can be prosecuted for accessing copyrighted or illegal materials. This is particularly true in the US and Australia. Fines of thousands, and in some cases millions, of dollars can be issued for illegally downloading films. Warnings at the start of legally distributed films will advise you as to the punishments for such offenses within your country or region.

Illegal movie downloads are a huge problem, affecting many people across the globe. This ranges from movie producers to cinema outlets and DVD retailers. It can also affect you, if you are caught and fined. There are enough legal alternatives out there that there is no excuse for illegal downloading of films, so do the right thing and support film industries across the world with legal downloads. - 40726

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