Is it legal to download TV shows in the UK?

penkapchew · 16-12-2006, 14:00

I've searched the internet a lot and it's very difficult to find out what the UK's laws on regarding this matter. It seems that DVDs and MP3's are illegal to download, but if I download a TV show, for personal use only and upload nothing... is that illegal?

If so, where exactly is the law that states this?

Also... somebody stated there may be a loophole in that if you are reviewing a tv show it's legal to download.

Please advise

albert_the_dog · 16-12-2006, 14:09

is downloading a tv show the same as recording ?
is it legal to record tv shows which i assume are copyright

AtD

punky · 16-12-2006, 14:37

to the site penkapchew.

It is illegal because the show isn't licensed to be distributed in that manner. It doesn't matter that the output is the same as legally recording it. As the distribution licensing hasn't been paid for, its theft. Unless of course, the content is licensed for distribution. I believe Channel 4 are distributing content via P2P for a small fee, which is legal, if you've paid the small fee.

Standard copyright includes saying things like "unauthorised duplication or distribution... etc... is prohibited".

Albert_the_dog: It is legal to record shows (I believe that was only after a court case), but not to distribute them.

Nikesh · 16-12-2006, 15:43

I was going to ask the same question but you've already answered it thanks

Chrysalis · 17-12-2006, 01:03

from what I have researched it isnt illegal to download tv and then use for personal use, what is illegal is the redistribution of it, so essentially if you are downloading it for free lets say eg. of p2p, then you are doing nothing wrong but the person sending you the file is.

DaggaDagga · 17-12-2006, 01:10

It's also illegal to drive at 31mph in a 30mph zone. That's why absolutely nobody ever breaks a speed limit, ever.

Russ · 17-12-2006, 01:11

The approach of "everyone does it" is not a valid defense IMO.

punky · 17-12-2006, 01:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chrysalis

from what I have researched it isnt illegal to download tv and then use for personal use, what is illegal is the redistribution of it, so essentially if you are downloading it for free lets say eg. of p2p, then you are doing nothing wrong but the person sending you the file is.

Technically.. But I wouldn't want to have to explain that to a judge.

Considering the file was illegally distributed, it can be classed as stolen goods, so download it can be classed as handling stolen goods.

DaggaDagga · 17-12-2006, 01:44

Has anyone ever been prosecuted for downloading copyrighted material? (I don't know the answer by the way, I'm wondering).

The only prosecutions I can think of have been people sharing via p2p (i.e. uploading). And usually only the ones with massive quantities of files.

Chrysalis · 17-12-2006, 04:02

its sort of like that situation when someone did a denial of service attack and got took to court, then got the case thrown out because it was breaking any existing laws.

**Paul** · 17-12-2006, 04:11

Many US shows are now available for download from the TV companys own website (a recent cancelled show was only available this way) - the companies also seem to turn a bit of a blind eye because they aren't directly losing money (you don't buy a tv show from them like you do a song) and it gives their shows more exposure.

popper · 17-12-2006, 04:29

currently within UK law you 'would infringe copyright' and hence potentially be commiting an UNLAWFUL act not an illegal act.

"
Is UK right to copy Aussie copyright?

Australia are about to change their copyright laws to allow people to rip music to their iPods and MP3 players by introducing new fair use exemptions, including an exemption for private use (see Rip it up (and start again?)). Are we about to do the same in the UK?

Under current UK law consumers who rip music they have bought from CDs to their iPods or MP3 players would infringe copyright. However, Peter Jamieson, Chairman of the UK record companies' trade association, the British Phonographic Industry, told the House of Commons Select Committee for Culture, Media Sport Inquiry into New Media and the Creative Industries on 6 June:

"We believe that we now need to make a clear and public distinction between copying for your own use and copying for dissemination to third parties and make it unequivocally clear to the consumer that if they copy their CDs for their own private use in order to move the music from format to format we will not pursue them."

The question now is whether or not there will be an explicit change in the law to reflect this or whether there will simply be a change in the nature of the licence on the CD. Instead of the wording "all rights reserved" perhaps we will start to see on the CD inlay a limited licence to copy to other formats for personal use.

Posted by Des on June 20, 2006 at 01:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) "

the latest white paper (i.e not currently UK law, if ever...)
http://www.hm-treasury.gov.uk/media/...report_755.pdf

cookie_365 · 17-12-2006, 10:53

It's illegal to download copyright material.

Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 - Sections 16 and 17 for a start.

Haven't we done all of this before?

toots66 · 17-12-2006, 13:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by popper

Under current UK law consumers who rip music they have bought from CDs to their iPods or MP3 players would infringe copyright. However, Peter Jamieson, Chairman of the UK record companies' trade association, the British Phonographic Industry, told the House of Commons Select Committee for Culture, Media Sport Inquiry into New Media and the Creative Industries on 6 June:

"We believe that we now need to make a clear and public distinction between copying for your own use and copying for dissemination to third parties and make it unequivocally clear to the consumer that if they copy their CDs for their own private use in order to move the music from format to format we will not pursue them."

The question now is whether or not there will be an explicit change in the law to reflect this or whether there will simply be a change in the nature of the licence on the CD. Instead of the wording "all rights reserved" perhaps we will start to see on the CD inlay a limited licence to copy to other

While the record companies would undoubtedly prefer us to buy the CD and the electronic version and any number of other formats of the same material over and over again, it's never a good idea to sue your best customers!

Itshim · 19-12-2006, 10:54

Does all this mean that PVR`s dvd recorders etc are in fact tools used in crime & could taken by a court of law !