Digital Piracy

Digital piracy is a common problem regarding multimedia outlets today. People are illegally sharing and downloading content while violating the copyright of it. In my opinion, digital piracy is not so bad.

To most people, digital piracy means “free” content such as music, movies, books, and video games. To a certain degree, that is exactly what it is. Digital piracy is the illegal trade in software, videos, digital video devices (DVDs), and music. Piracy begins when an individual purchases content, then uploads it to a file-sharing website so others can have that content for free. To me, this no different than borrowing that content from a friend.

Piracy is illegal because it violates copyright of the content. People believe it is morally incorrect to partake in piracy because the digital pirate is technically “stealing” from the creators. However, in order for the content to be available for download, the original content had to be purchased.

When an anonymous student was asked if piracy was morally correct, he responded “I think it’s morally correct because Akon has a bed in his private jet.”

I feel the same way. Musicians make millions of dollars from touring, merchandise, and advertising. They do not need an extra $10 from an album. The anonymous student elaborated on how piracy is not, in his opinion, stealing: “When you steal something like a car, the person you stole the car from doesn’t have the car anymore. If you pirate the “car”, then the person you pirate it from still has the car and you have one, too.”

Unfortunately, not everyone shares the same views on piracy. Sandwich High School English teacher, Bud Schermerhorn was asked if he supported piracy and responded, “Are you asking if I support stealing?” He expanded, “We have to be on guard so we do not take someone else’s material.”

As a supporter and occasional user of file-sharing websites, I do not think it is wrong or morally incorrect. People who partake in this activity are simply taking something that should be available for free anyway.

What is your opinion on digital piracy? Leave a comment in our comment section to continue the discussion.