Jordan Kendrick :popos: (@jordan_kendrick@fosstodon.org)
fosstodon.org
@Ertain@mast.linuxgamecast.com @gamingonlinux@mastodon.social If purchasing isn’t owning, then piracy isn’t stealing.

I am ashamed that I hadn’t reasoned this through given all the rubbish digital services have pulled with “purchases” being lies.

  • TWeaK@lemm.eeEnglish
    0·
    2 years ago

    Digital piracy is not theft, by definition. Theft requires taking something with the intent to deprive the owner, copying things does not deprive the owner.

    Digital piracy is copyright infringement, which (in the vast majority of cases) is not even a crime. It is a civil offense.

    • Tutunkommon@beehaw.orgEnglish
      0·
      2 years ago

      Counterpoint:

      I wrote a book. Sold maybe 10 copies. If someone “pirated” my book, they are depriving me of the $2 or whatever Kindle Direct pays.

      Admittedly not a significant amount, but it does fulfill the definition, imho.