A judge in bilbao fines a user for pirating a movie

Convictions for hacking users are common in many countries. Although in the case of Spain it was not something that happened frequently. But, a Bilbao judge has sentenced a user to a fine for downloading a movie illegally. A case that seems to set a precedent in Spain. Since it condemns a specific user.

A judge in Bilbao fines a user for pirating a movie

In this case, the owners of the Dallas Buyers Club (the downloaded movie) were the ones who made massive complaints against Internet users who downloaded the pirated movie. Most of them in the Basque Country. Of this majority almost none has ended in a fine, except for this one.

Fine for pirating a movie

Initially, a fine of 475 euros was requested, although the amount has been reduced to a total of 150 euros. The judge considers that the download was illegal, although it is surprising that he attributes the blame to the user based on the IP address provided by the complainant. Something that has caused some controversy, since it is rarely possible to know if the download is from the contract holder.

This is what has caused the judge's decision to be somewhat questioned. While the condemned assures that he has not downloaded the film. But the judge has not seen it that way and sentenced him for the use of his connection. Although he has clarified that it would be impossible to determine who downloaded the movie. And that the owners of the rights could be left unprotected if they have to provide such proof.

The accused has the option to appeal this fine. Although many see this sentence as a turning point in Spain. Something that could lead to more complaints and fines in the future.

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