File-sharing: Copying files from one computer to another.
When is it illegal?: When the files being shared are copyrighted and you don't have the licence for it.
Why?: As it is an infringement of section 16 of the Copyright and Designs and Patent Act. The owner of the copyright has the exclusive right to:
- Copy the work
- Issue copies to the public
- To perform, show or play the work in public.
- To broadcast or include the work in any cable program
- To make an adaption of the work or do any of the above in an adaption.
Copyright is then infringed when a person without the liscence of the copyright does or authorises somone to do any of the above.
Consiquences: Can result in penalties of up to $150,000 per copyrighted file £90,656.
