Those costs make a free movie download on your computer even
more tempting. But the Better Business Bureau warns that not all websites are
created equal. Some have obtained movies, music and TV shows illegally, and by
infringing upon copyright laws.
Even though it's the website providing the pirated movies, if
you download them, you're also at fault by breaking copyright laws. That could
result in prosecution, heavy fines and even prison time.
Before you download a movie, music or TV show, the BBB says
to be on the lookout for statements that say the website has the copyright
permission of the artists or those who represent the artists.
The Recording Industry Association of America and the Motion
Picture Association of America have lists of some of the more popular legal
online music and media sources on their websites. Hulu, iTunes and Amazon video
on demand are among those listed.
In addition to the legal consequences, those illegal digital
files can do damage to your computer as well, putting you at high risk of
downloading viruses or spyware.
