Two years in prison for downloading a movie
Germany just agreed on a new law that makes it possible to put downloaders behind bars for two years. This is if you use the movie for personal use, commercial downloaders face up to five years in prison. Germany is considered to be one of the leading filesharing counties in Europe so this law will [...]
Germany just agreed on a new law that makes it possible to put downloaders behind bars for two years. This is if you use the movie for personal use, commercial downloaders face up to five years in prison. Germany is considered to be one of the leading filesharing counties in Europe so this law will probably have a huge impact.
This new law is adopted exactly two months after the German anti-piracy federation (GVU) busted some of the key players in “the scene”. But now it seems that not only the release groups have to worry, but everybody who tries to download something from the net that might be copyrighted. The new law comes into effect on january the 1st, 2007.
The law is widely debated and currently one of the toughest in Europe at the moment.
Patrick von Braunmühl, of the Federation of German Consumer Organisation was not pleased and said:
This sends a completely wrong signal to society. It criminalises consumers and will deeply disturb internet users
However, the German justice minister defended the law, and said:
The aim is not now to slap handcuffs on downloaders in the school playground. But if someone downloaded a film before it reached the cinemas it was obvious that they were responding to an illegal offer and breaking the law
Günther Krings, the Christian Democrat legal affairs spokesman responded:
There should be no legal distinction between stealing chewing gum from a shop and performing an illegal download
So if you steal a chewing gum in Germany you will face up to 2 years in prison? Or even 5 if you try to sell it?
We’re going to hear more about this…
Previously: No easy way out for NiteShdw
Next: Torrentspy tells the MPAA to sue Google
8 Responses (Add yours)
Günther Krings needs to have someone explain to him the difference between property theft and copyright infringement. Sad to see after all the court cases out there people still don’t understand the difference.
Actually, this law has still to pass the parliament. I’d be surprised, if it will do unchanged. But the most disturbing thing about the new law is, that ‘IP-holders’ have the right to get names and addresses of ‘infringers’ directly from ISPs, without going to a prosecutor our even court before. ‘IP-holders’ must only ask their lawyers, to send out caution notes to the filesharing users. And these notes come with heavy fines, usually more than 1000 euros. Yep, in Germany they can fine you this way, without a prosecutor or court get involved. I guess, it’s the end of filesharing as we know it, but surely the start of filesharing using I2P or the like.
salut
…and this guy calls himself a CHRISTIAN democrat (Lee O would slap him if he’d turn his other cheek, damn it!)
And I thought we fought fascism back in the 40’s?
Seems to be just as rife now, oh well, that’s democracy for you.
what, is Hitler back to politics? Is downloading is being a jew in the 40’s?
Please, guyz, if you have problems with freedom, leave the union.
these movie industry act as if people would buy their stuff if they didn’t download it. All hail Hiter
What are they going to do - rebuild the Berlin wall and turn the former East Germany into one gigantic prison.
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