Why do so many people in Canada download music and movies without paying? Is it legal there?

Question

All of the people I know in Canada just download their music, software, movies, e-books - you name it. Nobody I've come across yet, ever pays for that in Canada.

Is the True North Strong and Free not compelled to pay for any of this stuff? Why doesn't the entertainment industry seem to be making any progress in their campaigns against illegal downloading, in Canada.

Also, I've heard that Canadians are protected by a court decision called BMG Music vs. John Doe et al. from any prosecution for illegal downloading. Is that true?

Answer 1

No, copyright infringement is illegal almost everywhere in the world. The BMG Canada case merely held that the record companies could not compel the ISPs to release the actual identities of customers who illegally downloaded copyrighted materials owned by BMG.