Andre Yoskowitz
10 Apr 2014 21:18
The Dutch Ministry of Security has ruled that downloading content from unauthorized sources is illegal, and does not fall under the Netherland's private copying regulations.
Downloading pirated content causes damages to copyright holders and also encourages broader sales of pirated works, says the court.
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) was asked to make the decision after the Netherlands introduced a new levy on blank DVDs/Blu-rays, smartphones, set-tops and tablets as a way to compensate content holders for when consumers do private home copying of copyright protected content. The levy is three cents on discs, and up to €5 for devices.
Dutch film makers have argued that the levy is a good start, but cannot reverse the damages caused by unauthorized downloading and sharing. Film makers applauded the new ruling.
As of today, all downloading from illegal sites and other sources is now banned in the nations.
Source:
Court Decision