Whats the worst that can happen? Free downloads

I own a website called DownloadFree.info, and it really is quite unique, it allows people to download music and TV shows directly in the form of a .zip, and i mean ENTIRE TV shows that are like 4GB and download in about 30 minutes, its really taking off as im getting around 4k-7k UV a day! its all on my hosting at godaddy

Now considering im 17, live in london, and i've never committed a crime, whats the worst that can happen?, im not even making much money from it, im just trying to sell ad space for really cheap but other than that no revenue...

Let me know on consequences, please consider the fact there are other websites that have like 10 million downloads a day and they are still up and running

 

So you own/run/manage a website that allows people to download music and tv shows (which obviously you don't own the rights to distribute) for free. You want to know the "worst that can happen". Well, let me first correct your statement that "I've never committed a crime" because you are committing one by running this website.

You could face civil penalties (money) or, since copyright infringement can be a crime, you could potentially be charged with a crime as well. The fact that other people in the world might also be committing the same crime does not make your offense any less so.

Stop kidding yourself.

 

actually it has happened before where someone in the UK was sent to the US to face the consequences. Just google "tvlinks" to find out what happened to the website (and this owner) and just consider the fact that the site DID NOT offer downloads (like you are doing) but was a SEARCH ENGINE that provided links to sites such as yours.

Best thing is to get rid of the site, and apply your time and skills to something else.

 

Something bad only happen if you are making more money then the real owner/author do.
Chillax

 

You only live once LOL they are all millionaires anyway!

 

Actually you can potentially spend time in jail which would be a max penalty of around 2-5 years in prison. But there has been people charged over a million dollars in fines and these people was only teenagers. There is very high penalties if you get caught. the good does not outweigh the bad sir.

 

Firstly, read about Richard O'Dwyer - he was lucky as he avoided extradition:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_O'Dwyer

Unfortunately. Consider what the judge in the UK said (in particular, "During O'Dwyer's extradition hearing, it was held by the judge that the offences alleged were also illegal under UK law." as it relates to what you are doing).

I hope they shut it down.

So, legally, you are considered an adult and will be tried as such.

You are committing a crime and you have confessed to it on this forum. Smart move.

It doesn't matter that you aren't making money. You can be tried as an adult, you could be fined, some judge might decide to even make an example of you. If you're lucky, you will just face civil penalties rather than criminal. Or maybe you will attract the attention of the MPAA and US authorities and face possible extradition. Shut it down and consult a solicitor specialising in copyright law (perhaps Andrew Crossley?). That would be the smart thing to (finally) do.

 

Hahaha, this guy! I like the attidude, bud

But in all seriousness, this is serious business.

It's not illegal (well it is, but nobody cares), if you have a website where people can download things for free.

What is illegal, though, is putting ads on that website. I've known people who did a similar thing you're doing and went to jail from 6months, to 2 years. My friends mother, who is a judge, says they got lucky.

Granted, all of this took place here in the States. I don't know how things are run in the UK, but I'd watch my step.

Good luck, though!

For another note, someone in my school got sued for over $50,000 for downloading thousands upon thousands of torrents, etc. It was either that, or jail time. Lucky he had rich parents.

Just read this -- I think I'm coming off too nicely. Although it's not that illegal to do what you're doing, by putting ads on it.. you can face jailtime. Take this dudes advice.

 

I would have said son, see you in 2-5 years....

 

Why are you going into threads and posting completely incorrect information? Yes, what he is doing is illegal! Even if he wasn't distributing the files at all and only used them for himself, he would still be liable. Not sure where you went to law school, but you should be getting your money back.

 

I said it is, but nobody cares. Ever heard of kat.ph, Utorrent, etc..? None of those website have ADS on them however.. so I think that's where he will run into trouble. Although he shouldn't get in the mess in the first place, it's his sole choice, not ours.

 

Kat.ph only serves the .torrent file, which is not illegal in most jurisdictions. And uTorrent is just a client. Saying that uTorrent itself is illegal is like saying Google should be shut down because they link to shady sites.

What the OP is doing is completely illegal. He's hosting the material himself, with the intent to distribute it.

 

I agree.

Earlier I said I was coming off too nicely.. I didn't want to sound mean. *cough* like most of you guys are *cough*

 

Im just going to sell it for extremely cheap, I think people could turn it into something else, it gets like 75k UV every month, if anyones interested!

 

Yeah I know thats true

 

unlikely, unless the parents where in on it...
parents would be more likely to be more liable if their
kids skip school; It is unlikely the parents would be held
responsible or liable if their child is committing a crime, unless
they choose to accept that liability and pay for his crimes....

 

You are talking about two different things...Did they know, did they not know. If the parents were not aware of their activity,
then that does not mean the parents will always be responsible or liable for their criminal acts, but if they did now is another matter.
I do not think it would be a crime if the parents did know, but did not turn their kid in, but they surely would then be liable for all costs at that point....

and just because the kid lives with the parents does not automatically make
the parents liable. It really depends on who knows what ,
or if the parents did find out, did they take action against their child.