Genuine (Although Stupid Sounding) Question around Streaming Films

[Binner]

Hi there,

 

So I'm a massive film lover, I tend to like a nice rainy Sunday where I can sit down and watch films with my family. We're exhausting the range of Netflix films available so I was wondering this: In the UK, is it illegal to stream films online for free? I looked into it a few years ago and it seemed to be a grey area, so I'm wondering if anyone can give me a definite yes it is or no it isn't or if they can give me a good alternative.

 

Thanks

[GOTSpectrum]

6 minutes ago, ILoveKebab said:

Hi there,

 

So I'm a massive film lover, I tend to like a nice rainy Sunday where I can sit down and watch films with my family. We're exhausting the range of Netflix films available so I was wondering this: In the UK, is it illegal to stream films online for free? I looked into it a few years ago and it seemed to be a grey area, so I'm wondering if anyone can give me a definite yes it is or no it isn't or if they can give me a good alternative.

 

Thanks

A good alternative is Netflix, obviously. 

 

It is my understanding that the person streaming the movies out is the one breaking the law not the person who is watching here in the UK. the same for sports broadcast aswell.

 

EDIT: spelling

[DemiGod]

To be honest even if its illegal nobody cares nobody has enough time to catch all the so called pirates. Just watch the films and don't go shouting that you are doing that and that will be enough. Worst case scenario even if you somehow will get caught you will get small fine or a warning.

[Binner]

Just now, DemiGod said:

To be honest even if its illegal nobody cares nobody has enough time to catch all the so called pirates. Just watch the films and don't go shouting that you are doing that and that will be enough. Worst case scenario even if you somehow will get caught you will get small fine or a warning.

I suppose yeah, I can lower the risk as well using a VPN. 

[SolarNova]

Streaming from a non legit source is considered piracy as ur recieving data (streaming). Its total BS tbh but thats the British government all over.

 

Best bet is to use a secure VPN and just go with it.

 

Alternativly try Amazon prime video.

[Binner]

2 minutes ago, Ben Quigley said:

A good alternative is Netflix, obviously. 

 

It is my understanding that the person streaming the movies out is always breaking wall not the person who is watching here in the UK. the same for sports broadcast aswell.

That's what I was thinking, thanks

 

1 minute ago, SolarNova said:

Best bet is to use a secure VPN and just go with it.

Would the government go out of there way to track me if I used a VPN made from a cheap VPS?

[AvocadosGuac]

8 minutes ago, Binner said:

That's what I was thinking, thanks

 

Would the government go out of there way to track me if I used a VPN made from a cheap VPS?

https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/

[SolarNova]

18 minutes ago, Binner said:

That's what I was thinking, thanks

 

Would the government go out of there way to track me if I used a VPN made from a cheap VPS?

TBH it isnt so much the government, but the IPS's.

 

Last i heared they send out 'information letters' to those they see using pirate streaming services. Its not an offical warning or anything, its more used to try scare people. The whole "omg they know!" deal. So using a VPN would stop that entirly as ur ISP would have no idea what you were doing online.

[AvocadosGuac]

1 hour ago, SolarNova said:

TBH it isnt so much the government, but the IPS's.

 

Last i heared they send out 'information letters' to those they see using pirate streaming services. Its not an offical warning or anything, its more used to try scare people. The whole "omg they know!" deal. So using a VPN would stop that entirly as ur ISP would have no idea what you were doing online.

I actually had warner Bros contact my ISP (Rogers) who then sent me a letter.

 

Once i finished the letter, PIA had a new subscriber. LOL

[DeLorian]

 

It is legal to use a VPN for streaming though. You are already paying for Netflix, so why not? Not like you pirate it or something. I use NordVPN for my US Netflix needs and so far so good. They constantly update banned servers because Netflix doesn't really like VPNs heh.

[Donut417]

13 hours ago, DeLorian said:

 

It is legal to use a VPN for streaming though. You are already paying for Netflix, so why not? Not like you pirate it or something. I use NordVPN for my US Netflix needs and so far so good. They constantly update banned servers because Netflix doesn't really like VPNs heh.

Might be legal, but its against Netflix's terms of service. They have blocked most VPN providers from accessing the service. Because getting around Geo location restrictions is a violation of the law. As some content is not licensed for certain countries. 

[dalekphalm]

On 5/28/2018 at 11:05 AM, Binner said:

Hi there,

 

So I'm a massive film lover, I tend to like a nice rainy Sunday where I can sit down and watch films with my family. We're exhausting the range of Netflix films available so I was wondering this: In the UK, is it illegal to stream films online for free? I looked into it a few years ago and it seemed to be a grey area, so I'm wondering if anyone can give me a definite yes it is or no it isn't or if they can give me a good alternative.

 

Thanks

Short answer is yes, streaming a copyrighted movie is just as illegal (depending on local laws) as downloading and watching a torrented pirated movie. Unauthorized streaming is still "piracy".

 

As to whether that's actually illegal in the UK? No idea - depends on the UK copyright laws.

 

You can legally watch movies online using services like iTunes, Google Play, Amazon, etc. Though the catalogue available to you will vary depending on country, and in most cases, you have to buy or rent each movie individually.