Internet Piracy
What is Internet Piracy?
Internet piracy involves the reproduction and distribution of unauthorized copies of intellectual property such as movies, television, music, games and software programs via the Internet. This can occur in many ways including through file sharing networks, pirate servers and websites. Each file posted to the Internet can result in millions of illegal copies. The Internet is also used by pirates selling illegally reproduced movies through auctions and websites. Ninety per cent of recently released films that appear on the Internet are audio and video recordings of films captured in theatres and distributed by release groups online. Canada has recently introduced strong criminal law that makes it illegal to record a motion picture in a movie theatre. Enforcement of this law helps keep illegal copies of motion pictures from reaching the Internet.
What Are Peer to Peer (p2p) File-sharing Services?
A peer-to-peer service is a network that enables computers to connect directly to each other in order to distribute and copy files. Software programs utilize these networks to search for and trade every kind of file. These programs can turn your computer into a directory and distributor of a wide variety of illegal content, viruses and worms.
When you download a movie from a P2P service you are putting yourself at risk. In addition to the legal consequences for illegally reproducing and distributing movies, you are opening your computer to potentially dangerous situations. By inviting strangers to access your hard drive you are risking exposure of your personal information such as bank records, creating the possibility for identity theft. You are also exposing your computer to harmful viruses, worms, Trojan horses and annoying pop-ups.
What is the CMPDA Is Doing To Combat The Problem?
The CMPDA has a multi-pronged approach to fighting Internet piracy, which includes educating consumers about the consequences of piracy, taking action against Internet pirates and working with local and global law enforcement to better identify pirate operations.
If you have information about Internet piracy that you would like to share with CMPDA please complete this form or place a confidential call to 1-800-363-9166.
The CMPDA members have been working hard to provide legal ways to access content online. Here are some examples.
