Is a site that is a forum for downloading movies/mp3's illegal? If none of the files are hosted on the server, should I still provide them hosting?

Thank you

Originally posted by Wholemilk
Is a site that is a forum for downloading movies/mp3's illegal? If none of the files are hosted on the server, should I still provide them hosting?

Thank you

If the files are hosted on the server, yes that would indeed be illegal -- no question about it. Now if they aren't hosted on the server, it becomes a lot less clear, and depends on the circumstances and whether you have a good lawyer.

At any rate, we would never knowingly host any sites that promote illegal activities or the download of copyrighted files, and I don't think you should either. It's just bad business.

I would not take the chance.........

Is it really worth the time to try and find out? I definately wouldn't allow it because others will find out and that will open the floodgates for warez sites on your servers.

Originally posted by kdghsu
I would not take the chance.........
agreed. Sometimes it's best just to say no. :)

Is it legal to link to something illegal?
I am sure they can throw some kind of conspiracy or something like that, especially if they can prove you knew it was wrong.
(NOT A LAWYER, MY OPINIONS ONLY)
I would not want my company name associated with something that is morally wrong.

But I was curious to know where to get the free movies. :D
LMAO just kidding.

Read the DMCA... if you think about thinking about linking to a page that is linking to something that someone thinks should be illegal... It's illegal... A horrible way to broad law.

Originally posted by Wholemilk
Is a site that is a forum for downloading movies/mp3's illegal? If none of the files are hosted on the server, should I still provide them hosting?

Thank you

That depends on whether or not the movies/mp3s themselves are legal...

It could very well be illegal under many different laws including various conspiracy laws which would link you to those doing it directly...the fact is you are knowingly assisting in the commission of a crime.

Furthermore, if you are continuing to host sites that link to illegal activities, you are telling me way too much about yourself and your character. Is that the impression you want to give? Are you one who wants to tread that close to the line? If so, it sounds like you aren't one who has a problem with illegal activity, just a fear of getting caught yourself.

Now, I don't know you and aren't judging you, but I am judging the question you are asking and you have to decide where your line is to be drawn.

I believe you clearly know right from wrong in this situation...and are trying to get someone to justify actions you know to be wrong....choose now...you know the correct answer.

Sorry to preach, but I see too much disregard for others works, whether its stealing a web design, downloading music, using someone else's software to install on your computer. We all have to decide where we individually stop. And, if we justify crossing the line just a little the first time, before long, we will justify in our minds going much further.

Studio64

...if you think about thinking about linking.... Try to say that 3 times in a row... lol :)

How about this instead? If the people in the forum are linking porno pictures.. Would that be a violation to the TOS?

I would think a forum is protected under freedom of speech, and links are just text. As long as the files are not hosted on the server, there shouldn't be a problem, but it is questionable.

Originally posted by Studio64
Read the DMCA...
With the DMCA, even looking at a book is considered theft.



stupid dumb broad law...