The phrase refers to the activity of acquiring motion pictures produced by the American film industry via the internet, often without authorization, from websites associated with copyright infringement. One might search this term when seeking access to films outside of legally sanctioned channels.
This practice presents several legal and ethical issues. Copyright laws exist to protect the intellectual property of filmmakers and distributors, ensuring they are compensated for their work. Unauthorized downloading deprives these entities of revenue, which can impact the creation and distribution of future cinematic productions. Historically, the ease of digital sharing has led to widespread unauthorized access to copyrighted material, prompting ongoing debates about copyright enforcement and consumer behavior.
