With advancing technology, the ways to access information, entertainment, and cultural content have diversified. The increased use of the internet has also led to a rise in copyright infringements and illegal broadcasting activities. Correctly defining the concepts of legal and illegal broadcasting is crucial for individuals to understand their legal responsibilities and for fostering cultural and ethical awareness in society.
Legal broadcasting refers to the distribution of a work or content with the approval of the creator, producer, or legal rights holder, in compliance with copyright laws. In such broadcasts, the rights of both the content creator and the distributing organization are protected.
Legal broadcasts are carried out with the approval of the content’s copyright holder, including its distribution, sale, and sharing, all in accordance with legal regulations. Legal broadcasting prevents unauthorized reproduction or copying. These broadcasts may be offered for a fee depending on the content owner’s sales and marketing strategy, or they may be available for free on certain platforms, provided they are shared with the copyright holder’s consent.
Illegal broadcasting, on the other hand, is the distribution of content without the permission of the legal rights holder and in violation of legal regulations. Such broadcasts constitute copyright infringement and cause financial harm to content producers while also subjecting users to legal liabilities and criminal penalties.
Illegal broadcasts are shared without obtaining the approval of the legal rights holder. Even if revenue is generated from such broadcasts, the copyright owner does not receive any payment related to the broadcasting or publishing rights. These contents are typically distributed through illegal websites, broadcasting platforms, or unauthorized software. Accessing such content without the owner’s consent may also expose users to legal consequences.
The distinction between legal and illegal broadcasting is also relevant for national television channels. Today, many national TV channels offer access to their content online. However, the method of access is critical. Live broadcasts, series, and programs accessed through the official websites or mobile applications of national TV channels are considered legal. On these platforms, the content is provided in accordance with the channel’s broadcasting rights and does not pose legal risks to users.
Platforms that record, share, or allow access to national channel broadcasts through unauthorized websites are considered illegal broadcasting sources.
In Turkey, legal and illegal broadcasting practices are primarily governed by the Law on Intellectual and Artistic Works No. 5846 (FSEK) and various other regulations. Copyright infringements, especially those carried out over the internet, are evaluated within the scope of the Law No. 5651 on the Regulation of Broadcasts via the Internet. Understanding the difference between legal and illegal broadcasting is essential for shaping responsible content consumption habits.
https://www.rtuk.gov.tr/Media/FM/Icerik/KamuSpotlari/83195-tuyad%20(1).rar
Dr. Uzman Psikolog Mert Özaydın
