Is it illegal to inform users about torrent files, NOT link to them?

Discussion in 'Legal Issues' started by ctsuk, Jun 17, 2011.

  1. #1
    Im thinking of adding some information to my blog, now ive done a little research and seen that it is illegal to LINK directly to torrents which contain copyright material, now.... my question is this, would it be illegal to explain to my visitors HOW torrents work, i.e maybe say "If you want to download XXX movie, then visit www.btjunkie.org and type in "XXX movie"...... that way im not directly linking to any illegal torrents and i would add a disclaimer stating that the act is illegal and the visitor does so at their own risk. Thus my site is an informational site, not a site linking directly to torrents. What do you think?
     
    ctsuk, Jun 17, 2011 IP
  2. Creebs

    Creebs Peon

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    #2
    I believe it is still illegal my friend, in the end of course you're still promoting them to download and click on the torrents. Even though it may not be a direct link, you are still informing them on how to do so. Just my 2 cent.
     
    Creebs, Jun 18, 2011 IP
  3. browntwn

    browntwn Illustrious Member

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    #3
    This becomes one of degree.

    If you set up a blog and give one example on how to find a movie as you showed above, probably okay.

    If you set up a blog and each new blog post is showing how to find new movie via torrents then it is probably contributory infringement and probably not okay.
     
    browntwn, Jun 18, 2011 IP
  4. sleer

    sleer Peon

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    #4
    you would be fine talking about how torrents work, but I believe linking to them and promoting them would still be considered illegal. I'm not a lawyer though so I'm not positive
     
    sleer, Jun 18, 2011 IP
  5. Bohra

    Bohra Prominent Member

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    #5
    torrent is a technology you can explain how to use and you wont face any issues...
     
    Bohra, Jun 18, 2011 IP
  6. contentboss

    contentboss Peon

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    #6
    we need mjewel to give us a definitive authoritative view on the current state of play of this one.
     
    contentboss, Jun 19, 2011 IP
  7. SkullTraill2

    SkullTraill2 Peon

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    #7
    No as long as you do not have a link you are not involved therefore you are safe, technically you can also link to the torrent file as the real file is not hosted by you, but just to be safe better not do that.
     
    SkullTraill2, Jun 19, 2011 IP
  8. Captaim

    Captaim Peon

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    #8
    You should be fine as long as you only are informative about torrents, for example about.com at netforbeginners.about.com/od/peersharing/a/torrenthandbook.htm and several other pages goes over how torrents work. Ethier way, just be careful and smart.
     
    Captaim, Jun 30, 2011 IP