Film and series fans should check carefully which apps they use!
As the Schleswig-Holstein consumer advice center informs, users of video apps risk a warning for copyright infringement with high claims for damages if they come across illegal file sharing providers such as “Popcorn Time”, “Stremio” or “Showbox”.
Over 100 young adults in Schleswig-Holstein are affected every month.
File sharing with the tablet
Many video apps offer films and series for free without having the necessary licensing rights. This is hardly noticeable to users because the design is similar to that of reputable streaming apps, and the illegal competitors can be found in all major app shops.
Anyone who uses them takes a high risk because these apps engage in file sharing. The principle: While a user is playing videos, films are downloaded unnoticed in the background to their smartphone or tablet and uploaded again for other users.
“If the necessary licenses are missing, there is a risk of a warning for copyright infringement with high claims for damages,”
warns Dr. Boris Wita, lawyer at the Schleswig-Holstein consumer advice center.
“We currently receive over 100 legal consultations per month due to such warnings.”
The compensation claims are around 1,000 euros per warning.
Be careful with free offers for current films
The file sharing apps “Popcorn Time”, “Stremio” and “Showbox” have already attracted attention. Cell phone users should therefore check very carefully which apps they download.
“If current films and series are available for free, that is a warning signal. Such offers are often illegal.”
explains the expert. Under no circumstances should consumers use video apps for which it is not clear whether the provider has the license rights. Anyone who receives a warning with a claim for damages should definitely legal advice . The lawyers at the consumer advice center examine the cases and provide help for self-help.
Notes:
1) This content reflects the current state of affairs at the time of publication. The reproduction of individual images, screenshots, embeds or video sequences serves to discuss the topic. 2) Individual contributions were created through the use of machine assistance and were carefully checked by the Mimikama editorial team before publication. ( Reason )