Will illegal streaming become a felony?

A recent research showed that bandwidth consumed by illegal video streaming grew 470% between 2010 and 2012. Under current copyright law, illegal streaming is classed as a “public performance” and is not treated as a felony, but as a misdemeanor.

In order to protect the copyright owners, Congress is moving to create a legislation establishing a felony charge for violation through unauthorized public performances (unauthorized Internet streaming) conducted for commercial advantage or private financial gain. The proposed law would target commercial piracy rather than individuals and will provide the Department of Justice with an important tool to prosecute and deter unlicensed Internet streaming.

Read the full article here: http://www.musicweek.com/news/read/department-of-justice-to-consider-making-illegal-streaming-a-felony/059150