In America copyright law largely directed by the Digital Millennium Copyright Act concentrates intensely on the circulation of copyrighted items While providing or enabling pirated items remains a distinct breach the simple act of broadcasting observing items excluding making a lasting duplicate by individual consumers exists inside a more complicated lawful space

Internet Companies frequently deliver notices regarding discovered actions on recognized unauthorized broadcast websites Although outright prosecution of individual broadcasters occurs seldom repeat offenders could experience service breaks or endings

The European Union has embraced a firmer position following a 2017 declaration by the European Court This declaration explicitly mentions that deliberately broadcasting copyrighted items via an unauthorized source comprises copyright violation This holds true even if no lasting duplicate is created by the consumer

Enforcement varies substantially among EU member nations with certain countries exhibiting greater initiative pursuing individual consumers than others The emphasis centers upon the consumer's understanding that the source proves illicit