Before I start, i know this has been posted hundreds of times (or I'd expect so), but I'm posting because 1. I can't search DP it SUPER slows the whole computer and 2. The topics i've managed to get to have contradictory answers (some people saying yes, others saying no) Okay, so I have a movie streaming website. (Not sure if this helps or not, but I intend to keep it and add videos regularly, however having literally just started up yesterday i porbably only have about 5-10 videos) I also live in the UK, and I think the servers are in the US. Streaming means that I'm NOT hosting or embedding the movies in my site, I'm just giving links for 'educational' purposes to the content. I've also written a legal page (www*maynestream*net/legal.php) So clear answers. Legal? Not? Thanks. If you need to see anything on the site like the legal page or anything the URL is www*maynestream*net (ps. it isnt finished...design is very basic and content is lacking)
It may be that as you do not host the contents, you may be legally free to do what you want but morally you are just aiding in piracy as long as the original copyright holder did not grant you permission to host or provide links to their intellectual properties. They can certainly make your life a living hell. You might want to talk to your lawyer about this so that you get protected from all angles. The whole issue about 'educational purpose' is so cliche which in reality does not really mean anything because who watches such contents for educational purposes.
Thanks for the useful information eddy. +Rep given. However, you said could make my life a living hell? What do you think the worst thing they could do to be is, and what do you link the most likely outcome (if anything) is?
It doesn't matter is the material is hosted on your server, it's called "contributory infringement" and while I don't know UK law, they do recognize it. You're subject to a DMCA takedown with google and other search engines and can also be sued. A disclaimer isn't going to protect you. FYI, your sever is located in Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
hmm how come then some sites still get to operate just like mine, like the big ones? What are they hosted in a country that's either exempt from these laws or doesn't enforce them? and if so would it be an idea to get hosting with a hosting company as such? thank you for all your answers so far. +rep added
Some companies like youtube.com do get constantly suited but they usually work with the copyright owner out of court and remove the offending contents as and when the complains comes in or when they do the daily scrubbing. They do at times negotiate with the content providers to license the contents so that they can be used on the site, of course this would cost you money. Places like Apple iTunes, Amazon Unboxed and so on would have licensed agreement from the content providers and each time the shows are sold, the copyright owners would get their cut from it. As long as you get the explicit consent from the copyright owners and pay them their dues, you would be covered. Otherwise if you do it on the illegal basis, you probably end up with lawsuits and cease and decease letters on a regular basis.