Quote:
Originally Posted by Soldim
But that's just the issue at stake here. In many jurisdictions, including the one in the Netherlands where BREIN is situated, the downloader actually has the right to take that 'something'. According to the existing (modern!) laws, they are acting fully legal.
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Well, they have the right for audio and video (media). Not for anything else like software. What is an e-book? Is it software? The Dutch law implies that by not putting the low tax on like on media/art, but the higher tax.
It is not that clear for e-books.
Quote:
Originally Posted by HansTWN
If it is legal, then why are people worried? That means BREIN can't touch them. Besides, those surcharges on media, do authors, publishers get a cut of those proceeds? If so, how much? That whole scheme is just giving more power to politicians who get more money to distribute. And those who don't copy anything are paying for those who do.
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Although downloading of media (perhaps with the exception of e-books) is allowed, uploading is not. That is why uploaders can be prosecuted, although BREIN has not dared yet. So far they have restricted themselves to lawsuits against ISP's for blocking sites and several take-down notices to hosts of torrent sites. And of course a lot of take down notices for newsgroups.
Usually it does not come down to an actual lawsuit, since most site hosters lack the funds for legal support.