STREAMING PLATFORM AND COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT: A LEGAL OVERVIEW
AUTHOR – KHUSHI SHARMA, STUDENT AT AMITY UNIVERSITY PATNA
BEST CITATION – KHUSHI SHARMA, STREAMING PLATFORM AND COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT: A LEGAL OVERVIEW, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (12) OF 2025, PG. 1002-1007, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344
ABSTRACT
In our digital world, streaming platforms have completely changed how we watch movies and listen to music. But this convenience comes with a major legal headache: copyright infringement. This article breaks down the complex relationship between streaming services and copyright law. Essentially, it’s illegal to stream copyrighted material without permission from the people who own it, as this violates their exclusive rights.
The article explores the legal duty streaming services have to stop this unauthorized use. A big part of this is through licensing agreements, which are legal contracts that give a platform the right to show content and ensure creators get paid. The piece also looks at enforcement tools like DMCA takedown notices, which force sites to remove pirated content, and court orders that can block access to pirate websites altogether. We also examine the role of anti-piracy technology, like digital locks (DRM) and automated systems that scan for stolen content.
The legal challenges don’t stop at copyright. They spill over into issues of user privacy and market competition, creating a complicated web of rules for platforms to follow. A key tension is balancing the protection of creators with “fair use” exceptions, which is especially tricky online. By looking at real court cases, the article shows how judges are handling these new disputes. Ultimately, streaming platforms must walk a tightrope. They need to encourage innovation and provide easy access for users, all while firmly protecting the intellectual property that makes their libraries possible. This overview concludes by considering how both laws and technology are evolving to create a fairer digital ecosystem for everyone involved.