Senate bill makes illegal Internet streaming a felony

Cyber security AFP File image

Eric W. Dolan
Raw Story

Those who illegally stream live video or audio over the Internet could face up to five years in prison under legislation recently introduced to the U.S. Senate.

Ars Technica reported that Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), John Cornyn (R-TX) and Christopher Coons (D-DE) proposed a bill last week that would make “illegal streaming” of copyrighted content a felony.

Under current law, copyright infringement already carries felony penalties, but questions have been raised about whether broadcasting audio or video live over the Internet could be considered the unauthorized distribution of copyrighted works.

Streaming content has been considered a “public performance” rather than “distribution.”

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