At least six Polish translators have been arrested for illegally subtitling foreign films that have no licensed Polish translation. Because the translations are not commercial, they might fall under fair use. However, concerns that the free distribution of such films online might undermine legitimate sales has prompted a crackdown on distributors and downloaders in Poland and worldwide. The Polish translators, affiliated with the popular translation site, napisy.org, may face up to two years in prison if convicted of illegally distributing copyrighted material.
At least six Polish translators have been arrested for illegally subtitling foreign films that have no licensed Polish translation. Because the translations are not commercial, they might fall under fair use. However, concerns that the free distribution of such films online might undermine legitimate sales has prompted a crackdown on distributors and downloaders in Poland and worldwide. The Polish translators, affiliated with the popular translation site, napisy.org, may face up to two years in prison if convicted of illegally distributing copyrighted material.
For more information, see Nate Anderson’s “Polish, German Police Bust Subtitle Archive” and Tech.Blorge.com’s “Police Raid Polish Subtitle Site.”
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