DIGITAL PIRACY, STREAMING AND COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT IN THE DIGITAL ERA

The rapid development of digital technology and the widespread use of the internet have fundamentally transformed the creation, distribution, and consumption of creative works. While digital platforms and streaming services have made films, music, books, software, and other forms of copyrighted content more accessible, they have simultaneously created unprecedented opportunities for digital piracy and copyright infringement. Unauthorized downloading, illegal streaming, torrent distribution, IPTV piracy, screen recording, and online sharing have emerged as major threats to copyright protection. Unlike traditional forms of piracy, digital infringement can occur instantly, anonymously, and across national borders, making effective enforcement increasingly challenging. This research paper examines the legal and technological challenges posed by digital piracy, illegal streaming, and copyright infringement in the digital era, with particular emphasis on the Indian legal framework. It analyses the Copyright Act, 1957, the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, along with international instruments including the Berne Convention, TRIPS Agreement, WIPO Copyright Treaty, and WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty. The paper further examines significant judicial decisions addressing copyright infringement, intermediary liability, website blocking, and digital content regulation. It evaluates the economic, social, legal, and ethical consequences of piracy and considers emerging challenges associated with artificial intelligence and other rapidly developing technologies. Finally, the paper proposes legal, technological, and policy measures to strengthen copyright enforcement while maintaining a balance between the rights of creators, technological innovation, and public access to digital content. Keywords: Digital Piracy, Copyright Infringement, Illegal Streaming, Copyright Law, OTT Platforms, Intellectual Property Rights, Digital Era, Intermediary Liability, Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Law.