Dutch copyright assoc. threatens Popcorn Time users with fines

Dutch copyright association Stiching Brein’s director Tim Kuik has threatened the users of the illegal movie viewing site Popcorn Time with the possibility of being fined for using the site. Kuik told broadcaster BNR, “It’s totally illegal and viewers are exposing themselves, in principle, to claims from rights holders." Kuik would not be surprised to see fining begin within a month. No individuals have yet been fined in the Netherlands. There are, however, people in Germany that, through the country's severe fining culture, are still paying fines of around 300 euros for watching the Michael Douglas film “And So It Goes”. Kuik is worried about the alarming development of the site and how user friendly it is. Stiching Brein is calling on rights holders to take the initiative to denounce illegal viewing. Through illegal views, rights holders are losing revenue. Kuik reported to BNR that he does not exclude the possibility of the state taking action in the foreseeable future as plenty legal alternatives to watch movies and series are available.