Copyrights – Films and Songs
Question
Is it theft to watch Haredi films that have been released?
And if it is theft, why is it not theft to download songs from YouTube for which the singer receives money according to the number of views?
And what about watching films that have been distributed but are still in theaters?
And television programs whose ratings go down, resulting in fewer advertisements or in the hosts being replaced, causing them to lose money?
And if it is theft, why is it not theft to download songs from YouTube for which the singer receives money according to the number of views?
And what about watching films that have been distributed but are still in theaters?
And television programs whose ratings go down, resulting in fewer advertisements or in the hosts being replaced, causing them to lose money?
Answer
Hello and blessings
In all these questions, the ruling depends on one thing: if the work is still available for purchase from the creator, it is forbidden to benefit from it without payment.
A work that is no longer being sold by the creator does not require payment.
Source
The ruling of our teacher, Rabbi Amram Fried shlita
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