torrents

[me_in_japan]

yeah! you read that right. I'm gonna talk about torrents. grrrrrrrr

not that I condone illegal downloading or owt like that, I just have a question to ask. In general, like.

My question is: has there been some kind of shift in the law recently, because google, which used to deliver a bajillion hits for certain well known TV shows starring certain well know travellers through the timey wimey continuuuminum, is currently delivering a great big "nah." when I try to...get information about the Christmas special. Verra odd indeed, and indeed sufficiently so to put the heebie jeebies up me for even looking. I can, btw, categorically state that I don't have said TV show in my possession. I would quite like to, but I don't.

Anybody else had the same problem? This is a genuine question regarding changes in law, particularly US law, as that seems to be the problem according to google. I'm not fishing for links or owt, so put the big stick away, Prim

ps part of the reason I ask is because I know there has been a change in Japanese law regarding downloads. Maximum sentence for illegally downloading (not uploading, downloading) is now 2 years in the clink. Seems way mucho overkill to me, but then it may just be to scare people off even trying.

http://torrentfreak.com/anti-downloadin ... ay-121001/

*edit* does anybody use a VPN? They seem intriguing...(and legal! Put the stick down and walk away slowly, Primski!)
http://lifehacker.com/5940565/why-you-s ... your-needs

[Primarch]

I can't speak for US or other laws, but the changes to the law in Japan are what concern me. Previously downloading was punishable with a stern talking to. Now it's 2 years in prison (harshest punishment for it in the world. Even in the US it is usually a case for civil court).
The biggest worry is how many other crimes you will confess to when the police are investigating you for downloading stuff. Technically your ISP should be monitoring how much you are downloading at any given time. If they think it is a lot, they should check the hash tags on the file to see if they match any known illegal files. If they do they pass the info on to the police. Now, the odds of the ISPs caring that much and actually bothering with it are probably really low, but at the same time, giving the police any excuse to bring you in for questioning is probably best avoided.

So best of luck searching for hypothetical files, but please keep any progress you make off the site.

Cheers,
P.

[Spevna]

Christmas special.

Check your PM.

[Spevna]

Will it be illegal to download pirated music or video files from a website?

This criminal penalty will not apply to downloading content that was shown for free on the Internet or other media, such as a television program that is not pay-per-view, but illegally downloading such content can still be grounds for a civil lawsuit.

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120711f1.html

[Primarch]

Will it be illegal to download pirated music or video files from a website?

This criminal penalty will not apply to downloading content that was shown for free on the Internet or other media, such as a television program that is not pay-per-view, but illegally downloading such content can still be grounds for a civil lawsuit.

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120711f1.html

From the same link:

If I download a British TV program that has not aired in Japan and is not even released on DVD in the U.K.,purely for personal viewing, will that be illegal?

That can be illegal if the user knows the content has been uploaded without permission from the copyright holder.

[Spevna]

Will it be illegal to download pirated music or video files from a website?

This criminal penalty will not apply to downloading content that was shown for free on the Internet or other media, such as a television program that is not pay-per-view, but illegally downloading such content can still be grounds for a civil lawsuit.

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120711f1.html

From the same link:

If I download a British TV program that has not aired in Japan and is not even released on DVD in the U.K.,purely for personal viewing, will that be illegal?

That can be illegal if the user knows the content has been uploaded without permission from the copyright holder.

I am a very trusting chap who is more than willing to believe whatever claims certain websites choose to make as to the legality of the content they make available.

[Tenorikuma]

Tsutaya still has their big rack of burn able CDs and DVDs conveniently located next to the movie rental counter.

Anyway, there are better and more anonymous avenues than bit-torrent for acquiring digital entertainment.

[ashmie]

FYI: A bloke I know got a letter from his service provider saying cease and desist. Please stop this or we will cut your connection and contract.
First time in 7 years.
I prefer to pay for stuff on itunes. And to be honest it feels better and the quality is always good. HD.
Working my way through the last 7 years of missed Dr Who this winter. Just watched The Impossible Planet and The Satan Pit. Much recommended if you haven't seen it.

[ashmie]

Mate there has been a ballsup with the Christmas special. I downloaded on it on itunes thinking it would be there on the 25th and me and a billion others are still waiting and are feeling shortchanged. It will probably be out of the UK when it comes off i player.