Is streaming videos or downloading streaming videos illegal?

Question

1.Is it illlegal to watch streaming contents on the internet?
2. Is it illegal to download streaming contents?
3. How often do people get caught for watching/listening streaming content or downloading streaming content?
4. Any advice or suggestion regarding this matter?
5. Is p2p tv such as PPStream or PPLive illegal?

Answer 1

You are asking about the methods. The methods are not illegal. But the content often is.

1) NO

2) Not usually but if you are using a program to capture or download something that the original personal specifically did not want you to, then you can be sued. Especially if you hit the
"agree" button on some agreement when you viewed it (but the button is not needed for it to get you in trouble)

3) Hardly ever SO FAR. I say so far because everything starts out that way and then the cops catch up. And remember that the internet forgets nothing!

4) coming farther down

5) Im not aware of those sites but it might be, or might not.

It comes down to something the courts call "reasonable effort". If you get the impression that the place might just be recording off the tv and putting it up online then stay away. If there is any reason to expect it to be legal (they charge, or its from someplace like NBC.com, they make you agree to a non-share agreement) then you are probably OK. There ARE legal ways to do it and its not all that hard to make a judgment on whether or not a site is legal or you are taking chances.

Answer 2

For what purpose would you be using the streaming vid that you download? If once you get it, you will put it on your site, without expressed written consent, or if youll be duplicating and distributing, well then Id say thats alot different than just making a copy for your own use. Would be the same thing as copying a program with Tivo, or copying a program on TV with your VHS for your own personal use. Thats why theres not too much of a true crack down on all the downloading stuff, because when it comes down to it everyone has taped a movie sports event or what not on a VHS at one time or the other, or even recorded a song off the Radio. So long as youre not exposing the download then I doubt youll have much to worry about. Otherwise 90% of people would get fine. Tivo Rocks!!! Oh and all those commercials and propoganda about how downloading and what not is taking away from singers and entertainers. FYI -- with DVD sales and what not, Movie Makers are profiting more then ever INSPITE OF ALL the illegal downloadings. And celebrities are making more and more money for their movies records then ever before. So as far as how downloading a song for your own person use is affecting the salaries of entertainers and movie makers...I laugh at the statements because they are false, and meant to make people feel guilty or afraid of doing somethign that is harmless and DOESNT AFFECT their bottom line. But again, only if youre using it for your own personal use. I am completely against duplicating and distributing to others, and those idiots that go into movie theatres with cam corders. Now they are the ones that should be punished Sorry a bit of my own opinion and a bit of truth all smashed into one.