Can I get in trouble for illegally downloading movies or TV shows?

In Plain English

Yes, illegally downloading movies or TV shows can get you into trouble. The Copyright Act 1968 protects the rights of copyright owners, and unauthorized downloading infringes these rights. You could face fines and even imprisonment depending on the scale of the infringement.

Detailed Explanation

The Copyright Act 1968 deals with offences related to unauthorized access to encoded broadcasts, such as movies and TV shows. Specifically, sections 135ASI, 135ASG, 135ASH, 135ASD, 135ASE, and 135ASF outline various offences related to unauthorized decoders and access to subscription broadcasts.

While these sections primarily target commercial activities like importing, distributing, or making unauthorized decoders available online, they underscore the legal framework protecting copyright. Illegally downloading movies or TV shows infringes on the copyright holder's rights, potentially leading to civil penalties and, in more severe cases, criminal charges.

For example, section 135ASI of the Copyright Act 1968 states that a person commits an offence if they perform an act that results in gaining unauthorized access to a subscription broadcast. The penalties for such offences can include fines of up to 550 penalty units or imprisonment for up to 5 years, or both. Corporations may face fines up to 5 times the maximum fine.