CD and DVD copy computer identity recorded?

[JohnRoss]

Hope this is the right place for this question. If someone dowloads something from a website and burns it to DVD or CD can it be traced back to that computer used to create it? What checks can be done to ensure a DVD or CD has no computer identity recorded on it? The question is asked because it is not always possible to easily determine if copyright rules apply to some stuff freely available on the web. Youtube and some free movies, TV programmes etc on-line for example...............................JR

[Tootech]

it is not always possible to easily determine if copyright rules apply to some stuff freely available on the web

 

I bet you it is!

 

I think that if your PC is taken away for evidence gathering, matching CD's and DVD's to your computer is the least of your worries.

 

To be able to do this the authorities would have to have concrete evidence you had been downloading illegally.

 

They could get this information from the ISP by tracking your Internet IP address. Once your computer is in their possession data stored on your hard drive could show where and when you have been on the Internet, and what data you have downloaded. That also means in most cases what you have deleted and when.

 

Don't worry about your DVD collection, worry about your IP being tracked ;)

[Plastic Nev]

Although everything is correct that Tootech has supplied regarding the computer itself, actual DVD or CD recordings taken from legitimate sites such as Youtube can be tricky. A lot depends then on what use that recording is put to, also the legal aspect of the material recorded. Although Youtube and other sites may well be legitimate, and the owners do their best to respect the law regarding copyright, they cannot properly control the full legitimacy of all the material on offer.

So, the big question, what do you intend doing with that recording?

If it is for personal use and can be shown that you downloaded it in good faith, there is very likely no problem except that the recording may be confiscated if it was proved the original was illegal.

However, if you download any material, then make multiple recordings for sale, or even to just give away, then you will certainly be in some form of trouble for breach of copyright laws.

As far as traceability of those recordings, more than likely the old fashioned methods will be used, such as, "where did you get this from?"

Oh I bought it off him on the market!

Sooner or later, there will be the heavy handed knock on your door. It is then that your computer will be taken for scrutiny as Tootech states.

I hope that clarifies things a little. The copyright laws in general though are a minefield, so much so, that quite often each case is dealt with individually by the relevant authorities.

 

The next thing is the quite definitely illegal material such as child pornography, stuff that can be shown to be terrorist related, or other material that can be shown to be in direct conflict with the law. You only need to see the news reports to realise that the minute any such recording becomes known about, the law will hit like the ton of bricks.

Nev.

[muppet rebecca]

You've made me worried about downloading off the internet even though I've done nothing wrong. The only things I've downloaded onto a disk are free programs to use on a computer that can't access the internet or for future reference if my computer goes up the wall.

[Plastic Nev]

In your case Rebecca, you have little to worry about, free programs are just that, meaning that for your own use or as back up for existing software everything is in order.

If you look closely at the end user licence conditions, quite often the owner or maker of the free program, actually asks all users to actively distribute his or her software, providing you or others do not sell or make money from it, or in some way alter it.

However, even in the guise of free ware, there are stumbling blocks as there are several types of freeware with differing conditions applicable. It is a pain trying to read or understand the licence I know, but it is not a bad idea to read them, and to at least try to understand what is meant about what you are allowed to do with the software.

Nev.

[Tootech]

I shouldn't worry too much, it's more an example of what can happen to illegal downloaders that are caught.

 

Building a picture of Internet activity is relatively easy for the authorities should they need to.

 

I think we tend to forget that in day to day online life :):)

[muppet rebecca]

I still find it weird reading my name on a website when it's been addressed to me. I know I'm paranoid but I get it from my mum I'm sorry. However I still want a techy partner. *winks*

Seeing as this is related does the law costs you a lot if you do illegally distribute software? I'm not one to do it but I'm curious now which kills the cat I know I know.

[Plastic Nev]

Now that is a question that is hard to answer, it depends really on what level of distribution, a few hundred, or millions. The nature of what you have illegally distributed, whether a first time offence or one of many, so many variables, and the court usually take into account everything known about the case individually, so there is little hard and fast rule.

 

By the way, are you interested in a 61 year old tech? or am I too old:D

[Tootech]

However I still want a techy partner

 

LOL - tricky area methinks, you go and get yourself a techy partner and you'll never see him - he'll be sat with his head buried in a forum somewhere in cyberspace ;)

 

My laptop is commonly known as my 'girlfiriend' in our house - nuff said :D

[muppet rebecca]

Nope thats what I want then I wouldn't haven't to deal with a lot of demands because they'd be too interested in their computers and laptops to pay any attention to me. Also I would elarn a lot and thanks for the answer nev. Also I have the hots for jon bon jovi so what do you think?

[Plastic Nev]

You could always move up to Lancashire, then there would be less distance to travel, at the moment perhaps a little too far to travel for regular dates. :D

Besides as Tootech said, not only would I be stuck on line most of the time I am home, but when not, making lots of horrible noises practising my parts in the brass band I play in. Ever had a cornet or trumpet at full blast in one ear? :eek:

Nev.

[muppet rebecca]

Hmm the answer would be your out of my league...well something along those lines....how did we go from CD and DVD copyrighting laws to you playing ina a brass band anyways.....I envey peopel who play instruments it's not my domain...In fact I don't have a doamin full stop...

[taylor22]

I wouldn't risk it. That stuff is illegal and the penalty charges can be monstrous. There's always a way to link back to pirated material, so it's up to you to take the risk or not and if it's worth that $25 or $2500...

[lana24]

I'm kind of paranoid too...Ive downloaded songs here and there from blogs for a loong time - they're there to be shared right? Right? Uuuhhhh...Now you've gotten me paranoid!