Technically, watching a video online for free isn't stealing. The material covered by copyright isn't taken from it's owner, neither is the owner disabled from it's use.

So why is streaming illegal?

It is called piracy, and it is the use of material covered by copyright in a way that violates the owner's rights. This includes free use of a video that normally costs money to use. "...but why is streaming legal when technically your not downloading the movie, so your not stealing it..." (Anonymous). Streaming IS downloading, although it is not being saved to the computer, the video is downloading while it is being watched.

Ok, so streaming is pirating and pirating is illegal. What are the consequences?

The consequences of pirating is essentially directed to those that are physically downloading movies and videos to copy and distribute. The result of piracy is this: The user is prohibited from using the copies. All copies made will be destroyed, and all profits made and damages will be paid (no less than $250) to the owner of the copyright. For extream cases, jail time may be sentanced and larger fines charges.

There is a video warning against pirating videos made in australia. Those that have been to the movie theater have probably seen this played before the film. Although I don't agree with this clip, I feel it is appropriate to play:

I also found a video submitted by someone else, which I thought had a much better message:

Thank you for reading my article, and I hope you have a better insight on why streaming movies and videos is illegal. The clips I found from the website below: