As many Americans spend most of their time at home because of the COVID-19 pandemic has inevitably caused an uptick in streaming and downloading of shows, films and other media. However, while many laws deal with nefarious sellers engaged in price gouging or touting miracle cures, those who are systematically engaging in digital piracy for profit have largely gotten a free pass, making money off other people’s hard work, even as many in the entertainment industry remain unemployed.
Writing in the Miami Herald, Nigel Cory and Daniel Castro argue that online piracy is nothing more than digital looting. Policymakers need to crack down on this abhorrent behavior, especially if we want new content to keep us entertained when life returns to normal.
