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=Distributing Media and Use of Media= == The laws regarding the use of media and its distribution are strict, yet lax depending on who does it. Government institutions, schools and libraries have different regulations and laws they have to abide by, while the standard citizen must follow specific rules when it comes to using media and distributing it to their peers.

Downloading Videos for Use
It is legal for someone to download videos from websites such as YouTube as long as it is for non-commercial purposes, such as for entertainment or to review for research (although the video should be properly cited if used in a paper or presentation). It is to copy and back-up DVDs, video games, and CDs. However it is illegal to distribute these copies to others. It is also illegal to keep a back-up after selling a product (for example: if you sell a DVD, you are required by law to remove it from your computer).

Public Viewings of Video/Distribution of Media
It is illegal to charge for a viewing of a copyrighted film and it is generally illegal to have public free showings of films. There are a couple of exceptions, however. Schools and educational facilities are exempt from most copyright laws, this allows teachers to show films, copy books and music, and distribute copyrighted media of all kinds.

You may use copyrighted material in school-related presentations, however when using copyrighted material out-of-school you must obtain permission from the owner of the material. The standards for getting permission differ on the type of media.

Official Resources for Copyright Laws
[|Government Copyright Website] [|Copyright - Wikipedia] [|International Copyright]