Watching Movies for Free
Question
Is a movie that is in my home considered like a 'ship in the open sea'? The movie 'Who Are You' by Rabbi Aharon Margalit A company sent it to me, and it seems to be circulating Can I watch it without paying, or is it theft? And if I can, is it permissible to show it to my nieces?
Answer
Shalom,
You probably meant to ask whether this is like “zuto shel yam” , an item swept away by the sea and considered ownerless because the person gives up on retrieving it.
Answer: It is forbidden to watch or use in any way a film that is being sold or rented by its owner and is protected by copyright. The same applies to songs and other creative works.
Source
According to the Psak of HaGaon Harav Fried, shlita
Comments
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