JOINT BASE CHARLESTON –
Have ever downloaded a movie, video game or song on your computer without paying for that right? If you have, then you have violated the owner's copyright and in doing so, you have committed a crime called copyright infringement.
Though downloading another person's work without purchasing the product has long been a "gray" area, the legal landscape is changing rapidly. Many people download material thinking, "there's no way I'm going to get caught," but don't bet on that anymore. Copyright owners have taken significant losses for illegal downloads and are responding vigorously to curb this unlawful practice. Copyright infringement, in fact, is a form of theft. It is taking something of value that belongs to another person without payment.
Copyright owners, through litigation, have fought to protect their interests. These owners have now breached the ISP door and can obtain your ISP address with identifying information. Once they have obtained your ISP address, it is a simple process to find out the user who downloaded the material illegally. Recently, two U. S. District Court cases ruled that internet subscribers had no expectation of privacy in their subscriber data, allowing copyright owners to trace back the pirated downloads. In doing so, copyright owners are now pursuing individuals that download from them without purchasing their products.
So, the next time you download something, make sure you're paying for the services you are receiving. Don't be tempted to test these dangerous waters, as the resulting penalties can be severe. Don't trade away your integrity for a $3 movie, video game or song. It is not worth the costs.