It’s extremely important to understand about legal means to access content and copyright as both can have severe consequences if not accessed legally.
What is legal content
Most of the content you find on the internet is owned by someone, whether that's an individual, a company, or an organisation. To access this content, you usually need some form of permission or access. This often comes through either paying for a subscription (like Netflix or Spotify), or by agreeing to view ads while using the content. In both cases, you're supporting the people who created or provided it.
Examples of accessing legal content could include:
- Movies & TV: Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, etc.
- Music: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music
- Books & Audiobooks: Kindle, Audible, Google Books, your local library apps (like Libby or BorrowBox)
- Free Legal Content: TED Talks, YouTube (from verified creators), Creative Commons libraries
What to avoid
While the internet offers a lot of amazing content, not all of it is shared legally or safely. It can be easy to come across websites that offer free versions of movies, music, games, or books that you’d normally have to pay for. These sites might seem tempting, but they can come with serious risks.
1. Illegal Streaming or Download Sites
Websites that offer “free” versions of paid content (like new movies, albums, or software) are often sharing that content without permission. This is called piracy, and it’s illegal in many countries.
Warning signs:
- No clear company name or contact info
- Low-quality site design or lots of pop-ups
- Content that’s too recent to be free (e.g., a cinema release available to stream)
2. Torrenting Platforms
Torrent websites (like BitTorrent or Pirate Bay) allow users to share files directly — but much of the content there is shared illegally.
Even if you don’t realize it’s illegal, downloading or sharing pirated files can:
- Break copyright laws
- Put you at risk of fines or legal trouble
- Expose your device to malware or viruses
3. Fake “Free” Offers
Some sites or apps may say they’re giving away free versions of games, software, or books but they’re actually:
- Trying to steal your personal details
- Installing viruses or spyware on your device
- Tricking you into signing up for hidden charges
If a site asks for lots of personal info (especially bank details) just to get “free” content, that’s a red flag.
4. Links in Social Media, Messaging Apps, or Forums
Be cautious about links shared in places like:
- Comments sections
- Private messages (WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram)
- Forums or chat groups
These can sometimes lead to scam sites, illegal content, or unsafe downloads.
5. Imitation Apps or Websites
Some websites or apps are made to look like official ones (like Netflix or Spotify), but they’re fake. They might:
- Ask you to sign in using your real account details (which they steal)
- Charge you for content they don’t actually own
- Always double-check the website address (URL) and download apps only from official app stores.
