Legally streaming and downloading your favorite videos and multimedia files is now simply a few clicks away. Over the past few years, there has been an exponential increase in streaming and torrent sites that allow internet users to download their favorite TV shows and movies on their computer.
Unfortunately, many of these sites are in violation of copyright laws. Luckily, a number of sites exist that offer fans the opportunity to watch movies, TV shows, and documentaries at no charge and without breaking the law.
All creative content is protected by copyright laws in the U.S., which protect the creator's work from being used without their permission. The creator can give permission for the use of their content, in the form of a license. Legal movie downloading sites possess one of these licenses and are usually fairly open about this fact, as well as about the sources of their content. You should beware of sites that do the opposite, as it is likely that they are operating illegally.
One way to access movies and TV shows online is to pay a fee on Video-on-Demand (VoD) host sites.
However, there are many free, legal sites that offer videos that are made available by the multimedia files' owners for a one-time royalty fee or for a charity donation. Some of the most consulted ones include Archive.org, Retrovision, and Open Culture.
Illegal Film Streaming and Download: What Are the Risks?
Sites that offer streaming and film distribution outside of a VoD or copyright respecting situation are committing a crime. Many of these site owners have been severely punished for violating copyright laws, with site shutdown, fines, and even prison. In today's download-heavy environment, there are now entire firms hired to track down illegal downloaders.
They do not hesitate to send threatening cease and desist letters to ISPs, who may, in turn, respond by throttling your Internet or restricting it altogether. You could also find yourself paying upwards of $100,000 in fines and fees.
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