Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeB1972
Well that falls at the first sense-check then, Surely US Netflix won't have distribution rights to Au meaning the VPN will breach copyright  |
In addition to Shari's post which I agree with a further point is relevant. Australian's or others accessing US Netflix or other services are not breaching copyright by watching this content. Arguably Netflix and other services without distribution rights in Australia are breaching their own agreements with the relevant content providers. I say arguably because the very nature of streaming makes it impossible for Netflix and others to stop this completely. I think it likely that they would only be held to be in breach where they are not taking reasonable steps to try and prevent it. As a practical issue, it is interesting to note that the content providers are being paid for their content. The damage they suffer is to their ability to sell the Australian rights, since the person who actually loses from the practice is usually the Australian rights-holder, now playing a role rendered unnecessary by the internet and inflating Australian prices by taking an unjustified share. There are no mountains or oceans or other physical barriers on the internet so as to require a local middleman. The sale of geographic rights is doomed, but unfortunately is taking a long time to die.