Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Let's Stop Everyone From Using Illegal Movie Downloads

By Ramon Mckee

These days, technology is so advanced that it is more or less commonplace to see one or more home computers in the house, with a high-speed connection to the internet. This has helped illegal movie downloads to become an increasingly big problem. In many cases, people do not even realize that they are downloading material illegally, and most people have no clue as to the impact of these illegal activities. It is, however, an important topic for modern society to be aware of, as illegal downloads affect a huge number of industries and individuals.

Definition of illegal downloading

The laws regarding copyright and downloads are different in every country. Here we will look at a rough guide that should help you to determine if you are downloading legally or illegally.

If you download a movie that is still playing in cinemas, or maybe has not even come out in cinemas yet, you can guarantee that the version you have downloaded is an illegal copy. Movies are usually released to DVD about three months after the film screens in theaters. Anything that is released to the public before that three month period has been obtained without permission.

Many sites offer file-sharing that allows you to download movies. Where individuals provide copyrighted material to other individuals without having permission to do so, these people are performing an illegal activity. In many countries, people who download such material are also in violation of the law. So peer-to-peer downloads, such as BitTorrents, are generally not a lawful way of obtaining movies.

The impact of downloading illegal versions of films

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.

The problem is especially great in Australia. Figures suggest that some hundreds of millions of dollars are lost each year in an already-struggling film industry, because of illegal downloads. This limits the capacity for Australian film-makers to produce more films in the future. Australian film is a breeding ground for creativity, ingenuity and expression of Australian identity, and should be supported as much as possible.

Is illegal downloading a punishable offense?

As countries have different laws, this will vary. In many countries, such as Australia and the US, being in possession of illegally distributed copyrighted material can incur a fine of thousands, and sometimes millions, of dollars. Check the warnings on legal versions of films to find out what punishments exist in your country or region.

You can probably appreciate now the problem posed by illegal movie downloads. People from around the world can be affected by your choices, from movie producers to DVD retailers and cinemas. And don't forget that you can be caught, and the fine you receive will definitely affect you. There are enough legal alternatives available that there is no real excuse for illegally downloading films. Support film industries all over the world and purchase legally produced films. - 40730

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