LocateTV Blog

It seems our post last week on the illegal downloading of TV episodes and movies was even more timely than we thought.

On Friday, Guardian Unlimited declared that the Federation Against Copyright Theft (Fact) and the Gloucestershire Police had collaborated to close the UK-based TV Links, one of the most popular pirate entertainment download sites on the web. Even if you didn’t personally approve of or use the site, it’s likely you knew someone who did, as the ‘they only host links, not the content’ mantra was an easy get-out clause for the conscience.

It seems the authorities were less convinced, as Thursday saw the arrest of a 26-year-old man from Cheltenham for the facilitation of copyright infringement on the internet. It’s the first UK case of its kind and may establish a dangerous precedent for the host of other sites out there still offering a way for web users to find the latest blockbusters and popular series for free.

Predictably, the web is buzzing with debate at sites such as Digg and Afterdawn. Is the tide turning for illegal downloads? Will we see more people turning to LocateTV to find out where and when they can find TV shows and films legally available on the internet? Or will the pirate posse simply move from site to site as they close, one step ahead of the authorities?

Lottie