The internet has become something of a necessity. Whether with a mobile phone or a computer, people are somehow always connected to the internet and cannot be free from it. Even though the technology spread and is widely accepted, the morality regarding of which how they use the internet still remains chaotic. For instance, uploading copyrighted works is a big issue. Among video hosting service sites such as YouTube and Veoh, there can be seen millions of videos that were uploaded unlawfully. Another case that is commonly observed is uploading copyrighted data such as software, movies, books, music and TV games on a file hosting service site. With these online services, such materials are easily distributed and downloaded.
It is not just those users of these sites that are to be blamed for. It can be said that the administrators of these sites are also responsible for the copyright infringements. In case of file hosting service sites, they tend to look over such illegal uploads and leave the unlawful contents untouched so that others can download them. By doing so, the companies can acquire a lot of users and gain profits. Yet, it is obvious that this is far from ethical activity of a company. Notwithstanding it is a direct infringement or an indirect infringement, gain by infringing copyrights or intellectual property cannot be justified in any way.
Although it is a commonly observed scene that people are uploading or downloading unlawful data, it is illegal to do so. In addition, there is a social and ethical responsibility for the IT companies to stop such illegal activity. At the same time, it is also required for the companies to take positive action to protect copyrights and intellectual property.
You (as well as one of your other teammates) have hit on a key issue that is certainly going to affect your industry and your overall paper and recommendations. This is the legal environment of the industry. Intellectual property rights, copyright infringement, and other legal issues are going to be hot topics to be mindful of, especially when forming investment recommendations.
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