Illegal Amiga software, what are the rules (US)

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ricco32097 wrote:
What kind of penalty would you get if you got caught downloading a couple of Amiga games? Superfrog, Elite and such.
I don't have anything else illegal on my computer. E-Bay and other web sites does offer these games from time to time.
Has there been report of any cases lately of people getting fined for downloading Amiga games.

Not going to comment on the rest of the stuff (it's against T&C), but Superfrog (and others) is legally available for download at http://www.dream17.co.uk/downloads.php?cat=1

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jkirk wrote:

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(it's against T&C),

?? whatcha talkin about? asking questions is not against t&c(unless your question is where do i find pirated downloads.)

Perhaps I'm being paranoid :crazy:, however, I was thinking more along the lines of No posting about illegal activities, as it's IMO basically asking whether it's worth doing a crime, and what the chances are of getting caught doing that crime.

With stupid copyright laws and bottom-feeding lawyers to enforce them, one can't be too careful IMHO.  I'd rather try to be helpful in a more legal way. :-)

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jkirk wrote:

technically this is not a crime and is not illegal. it instead unlawful(not supported by the law) and copyright infringement. a crime puts you in jail. copyright infringement siphons your pocketbook.

IIRC here in the UK it is a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment.  Wikipedia seems to back this up, however that doesn't necessarily mean anything. :-)

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Darrin wrote:
If memory serves me right, the UK still has a few strange laws on it's books dating back many years.

I've some better ones from the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000

If you are asked by the authorities to hand over an encryption key and fail to do so (or provide evidence you no-longer have the key) - 2 Years imprisonment

Penalty for telling someone you have been asked for the key - 5 Years imprisonment

Oh, and the copyright laws are recent.