Those who illegally stream videos online in the U.S. may soon find their actions labeled a felony, facing far more severe legal and financial consequences than ever before.
Bill S.978, or the Commercial Felony Streaming Act, which was presented by Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and co-written by fellow Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and John Cornyn (R-TX) in May cleared a preliminary hearing on Thursday and is now slated for an impending Senate vote.
If passed as is the bill will "amend the criminal penalty provision for criminal infringement of a copyright," setting forth a new standard of fines and jail time for those convicted of the crime.
According to the bill, the illegal display or distribution of copyrighted works "by electronics means" would result in a maximum of five years jail time if the act was committed ten times and "the total retail value of the performances or the total economic value of such public performances to the infringer or to the copyright owner" was greater than $2,500.
In an email sent to Bloomberg, Sen. Klobuchar defended the proposed bill, saying, "This isn't about individuals or families streaming movies at home. It's about criminals streaming thousands of dollars worth of stolen digital content and profiting from it."
The bill is supported by the National Association of Theater Owners (NATO), reported Home Media Magazine. In their coverage of the news, the site quoted John Fithian, the group's President and CEO, who had previously applauded the proposal. "It is high time that the punishment fit the crime," said Fithian, adding that the crimes "pose a threat" to both theaters and their employees.
Following the proposal's accomplishment, the NATO chief said that the bill would "close a gaping hole in the law" if passed. "We commend the [U.S. Senate Judiciary] Committee for moving this important piece of legislation for consideration by the Senate," he said.
The MPAA, which fully backs the legislation, subsequently issued a statement (.PDF) thanking the lawmakers who approved the bill's passing.
