Quote:
Originally Posted by HarryT
"Downloading copyrighted stuff for free" is neither a "right" nor a "freedom"; it's simply a crime.
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In the US, it's a tort, not a crime, unless the value is over a certain amount or more than a certain number of copies are made. (Assuming the "stuff for free" wasn't authorized.)
This is what's throwing the corporate interests off: most not-for-profit copyright infringement isn't criminal, and would have to be addressed by individual lawsuits. Copyright law assumes no harm is done if the owner of the rights doesn't object, and the methods for officially objecting are clunky (because they were developed for use against corporations, not individuals).