Five years in prison for torrents. The court had no mercy

In an easy time to access digital content, the question Internet piracy it's inactive emotional, especially erstwhile the courts issue harsh sentences. The latest case from Greece shows that law enforcement and justice They're getting more serious. making copyrighted content available, especially in the case of torrent technology.

59-year-old male from Greece was sentenced to 5 years of ruthless prison and fine of EUR 11 800 for moving a website named P2Planetwhich in years 2011-2014 made available above 14,000 links to torrent files.

What distinguishes torrents from another forms of piracy?

Come on. illegal download from services specified as Chomikuj or file hosting is besides a violation of the law, torrents are treated more severely. This is due to the specificity of the network P2P (peer-to-peer): user not only download filebut automatically share it with others.

In the eyes of the court, this means not only passive participation, but besides actively supporting the dissemination of protected materials, which in many countries is qualified as a much more serious crime. The creators and administrators of torrent sites, specified as P2Planet, are peculiarly susceptible due to the fact that their actions facilitate mass copyright infringements.

Appeal without effect – the court had no mercy

A man tried to avoid execution by submitting appeals, hoping that the court suspends the execution of the fine until it is considered. However, the court of the second instance did not accept this conclusion, considering that the nature of the case and the scale of the action of the accused did not justify indulgence. Thus 5 years in prison must be executed immediately.

Why is this conviction controversial?

From a social and legal perspective, the issue raises a discussion not only on the subject digital piracy, but besides Proportionality of the penalty. In Poland and many another countries 5 years in prison This dimension is frequently reserved for far more serious crimeshow heavy beatings or even any killingswhere possible conditional early release after 4 years.

In this context, a severe judgement for the conduct of a organization with torrents may seem to inadequate. However, from the point of view of protecting the interests of creators, producers and the creative manufacture – may be received as a informing signalThe time of indulgence towards digital pirates is over.

Conclusions for users and creators

This case may have crucial consequences:

• Torrent website administrators they must face full criminal responsibility.
• Downloading and sharing users in P2P networks, they may be considered as contributors.
• European courts they may increasingly search maximum sanctions in the fight against piracy.

Copyright in Europe is successively reinforced by successive directives and judgments, and Combating piracy becomes 1 of the key priorities not only of phonographic and movie companies but besides of state institutions. As a consequence The line between "innocent download" and criminal offences can be very thin – especially erstwhile sharing files with others.

Is that a landmark sentence?

Although the convictions for Internet piracy have already collapsed in Europe, this case may be reference point for subsequent cases. It shows that technology does not defend from liability, and prescreen activities can consequence real and severe legal consequences.