Is it wrong to watch TV shows on Youtube?

[cedward1]

I have read that from a legal standpoint, Youtube has a disclaimer that frees the viewers from any liability for watching videos that are posted in violation of copyrights. So technically, if I were to watch a TV show for free on Youtube, it would not be stealing in the eyes of the law.

But in the eyes of God, I'm not exactly sure what to do. Does Youtube's legal disclaimers free me from a moral responsibility to not watch a show that may have been uploaded illegally? This goes for music too, when I am looking for a song that can't be found anywhere else.

I guess I'm just not sure if it is really stealing or not. Surely uploading a TV show without permission is stealing, but is watching a show that has already been uploaded stealing? And how would I even know if the show was uploaded legally or not? And where does one cross the line between watching a cool video clip and stealing intellectual property?

 

[Pal Handy]

I have read that from a legal standpoint, Youtube has a disclaimer that frees the viewers from any liability for watching videos that are posted in violation of copyrights. So technically, if I were to watch a TV show for free on Youtube, it would not be stealing in the eyes of the law.

But in the eyes of God, I'm not exactly sure what to do. Does Youtube's legal disclaimers free me from a moral responsibility to not watch a show that may have been uploaded illegally? This goes for music too, when I am looking for a song that can't be found anywhere else.

I guess I'm just not sure if it is really stealing or not. Surely uploading a TV show without permission is stealing, but is watching a show that has already been uploaded stealing? And how would I even know if the show was uploaded legally or not? And where does one cross the line between watching a cool video clip and stealing intellectual property?

My limited understanding is..
Personal use ..ok
Copying, reproducing and distributing for profit...not ok

Who would know or how would you ever be caught and prosecuted
for watching a video on Youtube as opposed to a person who
sells pirated movies on the internet at cut rate prices and is diverting
or stealing profits from the rightful owners?

The ones who profit off the intellectual property of others
are the ones they are concerned with, not the one watching
reruns of Malcolm in the Middle in tiny low resolution 10 min. clips.

 

[pgp_protector]

If you're worried about the ethical issues, go with Crackle.com

 

[homeofmew]

There's nothing wrong with is, as long as you don't make any money.
I watch Japanese Anime all the time, and heck it's great - It's not like you can get that stuff here in the US anyway. I mean if it's on TV watching it online is the same idea as a Recorder Device on your TV.

Some Places even post full episodes like House MD and Undercover Boss on their official website.

 

[Ark100]

Lol...Its SO not stealing...the only thing God would be concerned about is if you re on there watching immoral, and sexual contents, or contents which does not glorify God.
Dont feel guilty to go on youtube. Its perfectly ok

 

[ChrisHolland619]

Saying that there's nothing wrong with it as long as you're not making money is like saying streaming television shows that are not free for free isn't wrong because you're not making money off it. /what

That doesn't make sense. You are viewing something for free that is legally paid for. That's called piracy, and is considered theft.

 

[Pal Handy]

Saying that there's nothing wrong with it as long as you're not making money is like saying streaming television shows that are not free for free isn't wrong because you're not making money off it. /what

That doesn't make sense. You are viewing something for free that is legally paid for. That's called piracy, and is considered theft.

So don't do it.
Live what you believe.
If you believe that a youtube video breaks the law, don't watch it.

 

[Itagaki]

What's the difference? Youtube has tons of ads on there anyway, so the advertisers are still getting their billions.

 

[BFine]

I guess I'm just not sure if it is really stealing or not. Surely uploading a TV show without permission is stealing, but is watching a show that has already been uploaded stealing? And how would I even know if the show was uploaded legally or not? And where does one cross the line between watching a cool video clip and stealing intellectual property?


*I would say draw the line before you compromise other areas of your Christian faith.
Moral issue... you know that movie or music you are watching/listening to has been pirated and put on Youtube or where ever.
You think, I don't have the money to buy that, so I will watch it online...after all I didn't steal it, I'm only watching or listening to something that has been stolen by someone else...I didn't steal it myself.

Thinking along those lines further yet...
You are only enjoying the benefits of stuff that is stolen...which would be no different from enjoying a ride in a car that your best friend stole er "borrowed"... or helping to eat that pizza your roomie "sneaked" from their workplace or getting a friend to "borrow" a nice outfit from the clothing store they work in.

When we start trying to OK what is wrong/sinful/illegal we are on a slippery slope...how long before we start doing other things that are clearly wrong/sinful/illegal?

There are TV Networks online who offer shows to watch for free...however
it is in the news at this time, viewers will have to prove they are cable subscribers to watch said TV content in the near future.
I don't know if all Networks will join this bandwagon since all of them haven't
voiced their opinion yet.
Many public libraries are now digital and one can find a lot of content that is
available for "loan"...I still have access to my old library in NC this way.
There are other sites online one can join for a small yearly fee and have access to a lot of media.

I/we purchase a lot of movies from clearance store and or Superstores...I love these get 4 movies for five bucks deals at Walmart...a lot of choices at the super Walmarts.