should people who download movies worry, or only the companies that run it? What are some of the safeguards?

Answer 1

Both should worry. As you install the program the software company tries to get rid of all liability when you are hitting the 'I agree' key. However, they can never get around anything. The Napster defense of, "It's only supposed to be for non-copyrighted music" isn't working anymore.

So now, both can be charged with theft and copyright violation. There really are no safeguards. The only safeguard is hopefully using a program that isn't about to get busted and cracked down on.

It's highly illegal and highly dangerous... However, at the same time, I would say less than 1% of the people that have download illegal media have been prosecuted. So while your odds of being caught are quite slim, you have zero defense if you indeed do.

Hope this helps!
Jason

Answer 2

The RIAA and MPAA have filed only a few dozen lawsuits against the companies that run the services, but thousands of lawsuits against end users. The RIAA has even announced they'd pursue a case against a dead guy (see the "source" link).

I'd be afraid if I were you. There's no effective safeguards against an RIAA lawsuit - I even know a guy who was hassled by them - for music *his own band* recorded. And they're not even on an RIAA label, they're an indie band. ;)