Is it Legal to Download TV Shows?
Whether or not it is legal to download TV shows depends on several factors and is an evolving area of law that is playing catch-up to technology. Much depends upon the source of the file, the show’s copyright status, and the country in which one lives. In many cases it is the provider that uploads the show to the Internet that is breaking the law by illegal distribution of copyrighted content, but it can also be illegal to download TV shows. Within U.S. copyright law is a “fair use” statute that basically allows for a person to restrictively duplicate or share copyrighted material for casual use within limited circumstances. For example, if you purchase a book and let your neighbor read it when you’re through, this is considered fair use. Fair use also allows for copying tracks off your legally purchased CDs to make a personal compilation of music. Along the same lines it is also legal to make a “hard copy” (video tape or digital recording) of your favorite program as it is broadcast t
The concept of downloading TV shows off the Internet is still a relatively new concept. The idea is to click a few buttons on your home computer and be able to watch the latest episode of your favorite show that you’ve missed. Similar to watching TV programs recorded on a DVR, viewers are turning to the Internet to catch up on their favorite TV shows. The question remains whether it is legal to download TV shows. The Legal Debate over TV Show Downloads It isn’t an easy to answer the question of whether it is legal to download TV shows. The answer to the question is mixed and is based on who you ask. * From a copyright standpoint, it may become illegal if certain rules are broken. The legal owners of the TV show rights lose potential revenue when people use file-sharing systems to download shows. * From a personal standpoint, to download TV programs is legal. As long as this TV shows you download are for private use and are not copied, shared or sold, it is legal at this time. * From a
The concept of downloading TV shows off the Internet is still a relatively new concept. The idea is to click a few buttons on your home computer and be able to watch the latest episode of your favorite show that you’ve missed. Similar to watching TV programs recorded on a DVR, viewers are turning to the Internet to catch up on their favorite TV shows. The question remains whether it is legal to download TV series. The Legal Debate over TV Show Downloads It isn’t an easy to answer the question of whether it is legal to download TV shows. The answer to the question is mixed and is based on who you ask. * From a copyright standpoint, it may become illegal if certain rules are broken. The legal owners of the TV show rights lose potential revenue when people use file-sharing systems to download shows. * From a personal standpoint, to download TV programs is legal. As long as this TV shows you download are for private use and are not copied, shared or sold, it is legal at this time. * From a
