Downloading pirated music and videos in Japan will now have more severe consequences. The Japanese legislature approved a bill that makes downloading illegal music and video files punishable by up to two years imprisonment and fines of up to ¥2 million. Uploading pirated material has long been a crime in Japan, with even more harsh penalties, but this is the first time such criminal charges can be made towards downloaders. Critics of the bill call it harsh, vague and potentially expanded beyond the original intent, but the bill passed with large majorities.
The story can be seen at Japan Times.
