Streaming Pirate Content Isn’t Illegal, UK Trading Standards Says

Streaming is without a doubt a safer option than using torrents since there is no uploading (distribution). Without this crucial element, it is almost impossible for a user to be tracked and if they can’t be tracked, they can’t be punished or even warned. It’s notable that the UK’s piracy warning scheme, for example, makes no attempt to reach people who are streaming content, because it’s impossible.

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“Accessing premium paid-for content without a subscription is considered by the industry as unlawful access, although streaming something online, rather than downloading a file, is likely to be exempt from copyright laws,” the spokesperson added.

This statement certainly carries some weight. Although in a different region of the UK, Trading Standards is the driving force behind the prosecution of Kodi box seller Brian Thompson who entered a not guilty plea in January. He’ll face a trial in a couple of months but it now seems more clear than ever that his customers and millions like them around the country are not breaking the law, a position that’s shared by the EU Commission.

Full article here.

https://torrentfreak.com/streaming-pirate-content-isnt-illegal-uk-trading-standards-says-170306/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter