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Online Piracy

Online piracy might seem harmless or easy to justify—but it’s a form of theft that affects real people. This video explains what online piracy is, why it’s illegal, and how it impacts the musicians, software developers, and creators whose work we love. Watch now to understand the hidden risks of piracy and how to make safer, more ethical choices online.

Duration
02m 50s
Language
English
Part of the Course
Standards Aligned
ISTE & ACRL

What's About

Online piracy is the digital version of an old crime: taking something that doesn’t belong to you. This video uses a simple metaphor—pirates on the open sea—to introduce the modern equivalent: downloading or sharing music, software, movies, or games without paying for them or getting permission from the creators.

While piracy may feel anonymous or victimless, the video explains how it violates copyright laws that protect creative work. These laws aren’t just legal rules—they’re systems that help artists, musicians, writers, and developers earn a living from what they create. When their work is pirated, their income often suffers, making it harder for them to keep creating.

The video also dives into the risks of pirated software. Beyond legality, there’s personal risk: pirated programs are often sold by criminal organizations and may lack proper functionality, updates, or virus protection. When users install pirated software, they may unknowingly compromise their devices or lose access to technical support.

Finally, the video emphasizes how avoiding piracy supports creators and protects users. It encourages buying from trusted sources, recognizing that behind every song or program is someone who deserves to be paid for their work.

What it Matters

Online piracy doesn’t just break the law—it breaks trust in the creative ecosystem and can put users at personal risk. This video helps learners see beyond the screen to understand how piracy affects artists and developers while also endangering users who rely on safe, supported software.

You’ll be able to:

- Define what online piracy is and how it differs from legal downloading.

- Explain how piracy violates copyright laws and affects creators' livelihoods.

- Recognize the hidden dangers of pirated software, including security risks.

- Understand how piracy disrupts the systems that support music, movies, and apps.

- Make informed choices by seeking out and supporting legal, trusted sources.

Standards Aligned

  • ISTE Standard: Digital Citizen, Indicator 2c
  • ACRL Info Literacy Frame: Information Has Value

Part o the course: Stay Safe

Stay one step ahead of online threats. This course unpacks the real risks of modern internet use and gives you tools to stay safe and secure.

View course