AfterDawn: News

South Korean police question movie downloaders

According to reports, Seoul Jongo law enforcement officers have questioned 57 people who downloaded a movie from a P2P network. These individuals were accused of downloading and possessing illegal copies of Lord of War. This differs from more frequent actions that target "distributors", or as they should be know; uploaders. The individuals were found after police monitored download activity on at least one P2P service.

Records seized from the local unnamed P2P service gave the police the information required to track down the individuals. However, it is unknown whether or not any criminal charges will be brought against them, as many of them are teenagers. Some have already reached settlements with Media Film International (MFI), which has the rights to the film in South Korea.



Police in South Korea can only investigate copyright infringement when a copyright holder complains, but a bill currently being discussed in the parliament aims to change that. Police said another 25 people are known to have downloaded the film, and are currently being tracked down.

Source:
The Register

Written by: James Delahunty @ 17 Mar 2006 18:27

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• 10 comments

• S2K

  I had a friend read this in orignal Korian.
  
  The Register is WRONG. The people questioned were on a p2p and distributing as well as downloading. Media Film International, just like the MPAA is mixing the terms "distribution" and "downloading."
  
  The only change being considered in Korea is allowing the state authorities to go after distributors without a specific request on a spcific work and specific user by the copyright holder.
  
  Ther is no way to prove intent with downlaoding. People working at the MPAA and RIAA undoubtably download copyright material inadvertantly or otherwise on a daily basis. Heck a massive amount moves as spam!
  
  Selling stolen property and receiving stolen property are worlds apart in terms of probative issues. You have to get the person you accuse of receiving to admit it.
  
  You can probably can establish someone of knowingly "dowmnloading" on a p2p if you have nabbed them for uploading/distributing and wish to establish a public relations precident. but unless you have leverage to force a person to admit they downloaded with intent, you have no case, civil or criminal.

  18.3.2006 09:26 #1

• myndphuk

  Well, thats what they want you to believe ;-)

  18.3.2006 14:55 #2

• MightyOne

  I'm a tad confused.
  
  If i download something from a bit torrent site, i am also uploading it, or distributing it.
  
  Does this mean everyone who downloads is a distributer, or does distribution mean that the SOURCE file. The person who plants the SEED?
  
  I am speaking in terms of what LAWS say. Not what the average Joe think, in otherwords, can i be charged with distributing as well.

  21.3.2006 04:51 #3

• trrkod

  Im not sure, but with Bit Torent sites you can't download
  without uploading @ the same time. So.... that makes it illegal??? Yes or no???

  23.3.2006 18:23 #4

• trrkod

  Mighty One, I think you are uploading it also.

  23.3.2006 18:25 #5

• trrkod

  Mighty One, I think you are uploading it also. Therefore, illegal?

  23.3.2006 18:27 #6

• ericg8

  Perhaps they should download better movies than that steaming pile of cow dung.
  
  I would even deny renting it from Blockbuster if the Korean police knocked on my door!

  23.3.2006 19:23 #7

• scav_engr

  > were on a p2p and distributing as well as downloading....
  -This is idiocy, every p2p's 'app' is based on uploading. If 'one' is *smart* enough to turn this 'off,' it's easily *proved* they know what they're doing.
  
  > Ther is no way to prove intent with downlaoding....
  -Huh? lol... What's the defense's argument? Lol...
  
  > You have to get the person you accuse of receiving to admit it.
  -Where? Oh, must be in *FantasyLand.* In *Reality* anyone 'caught' with stolen property is by default guilty. This is why there is judges, juries, and courts- at times there are 'innocent' people that didn't know- bought a stolen car with a forged title that the DMV didn't pick up (or something, whatever.)
  
  > unless you have leverage to force a person to admit they downloaded with intent, you have no case, civil or criminal...
  -Lol, where? I *want* to live there, *FanstasyLand* sounds pretty good.
  
  Where do guys like this poster come up with this stuff? And what's the 'point?'
  
  
  sc
  
  

  23.3.2006 19:25 #8

• ChiefBrdy

  Peer Guardian. Works wonders.

  24.3.2006 02:39 #9

• hypes057

  if you are downloading using bittorrent, you are also uploading, and passing copyrighted material to others. This is in violation of coyright laws (USA). If you dont own something, hell even if you do, you cant share it with others who did not pay for it. trust me on this, i know from experience. thank you lucas arts and my isp!

  24.3.2006 11:24 #10