Can I download films or music for free through torrents?
No - downloading copyright-protected films, music, books or software for free from unlawful sources is not allowed in Lithuania, and it is punishable. The widespread myth that 'downloading for personal use is fine' is wrong: the private-copying exception does not apply to copies made from an obviously unlawful source. Under Article 122 of the Code of Administrative Offences, unlawfully reproducing works or making them available online for non-commercial purposes brings a fine of 280 to 600 Eur, and for a repeat offence 600 to 850 Eur. What people miss: when you use torrents, the file is at the same time also distributed to others, so liability is even greater than for downloading alone. Enforcement is carried out by the LRTK, which has already fined people for illegally downloaded films and even an audiobook - so the myth that 'no one gets punished' does not match reality. Rights holders can additionally claim compensation for damage.
📋 The rules
- Downloading copyright works from unlawful sources is prohibited
- The private-copying exception does not apply to copies from an obviously unlawful source
- ANK Art. 122: a fine of 280 to 600 Eur, and for a repeat 600 to 850 Eur
- With torrents, the work is distributed at the same time - liability is greater
- Enforcement is by the LRTK, and rights holders can claim compensation for damage
🔓 Exceptions
- Content from lawful sources (legal platforms, free or licensed content) may be used
- For a first offence the LRTK often imposes a smaller fine - half the minimum (about 140 Eur)
- Commercial-scale piracy brings criminal liability under the Criminal Code
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Liability is not merely theoretical: the LRTK has already imposed real fines on people for illegally downloaded films and an audiobook. Under Article 122 of the Code of Administrative Offences, unlawfully reproducing works or publishing them online for non-commercial purposes brings a fine of 280 to 600 Eur, and for a repeat 600 to 850 Eur; for a first offence a fine of about half the minimum, around 140 Eur, is often imposed. What people miss: when you use torrents you not only download but also distribute the file to others, so the breach is treated as more serious and the fine can be higher. Besides administrative liability, a rights holder can go to court and claim compensation for the damage caused. In cases of commercial scale or large damage, criminal liability arises under the Criminal Code. So it is safest to use legal platforms rather than unlawful sources.
📎 Official sources
- LRTK · online copyright infringements →
- e-seimas · ANK Art. 122 and the Law on Copyright →
- LATGA · protection of copyright →
❓ Frequently asked
Are you punished for downloading films through torrents?
Yes, unlawfully downloading and distributing copyright-protected works online brings a fine of 280 to 600 Eur under Article 122 of the Code of Administrative Offences, and up to 850 Eur for a repeat. When you use torrents the file is distributed to others at the same time, so liability is even greater than for downloading alone.
Does anyone in Lithuania really get punished for piracy?
Yes, the myth that no one gets punished does not match reality, because the LRTK has already imposed real fines on people for illegally downloaded films and even an audiobook. The supervisory authority responds to complaints from rights holders and takes steps to stop unlawful distribution.
Can I download for personal use?
No, the private-copying exception does not apply to copies made from an obviously unlawful source, so downloading for yourself does not make the act lawful. Only content from lawful sources may be used, and a work obtained unlawfully remains an infringement for which liability can apply.
What fine applies for a first offence?
For a first offence the LRTK often imposes a smaller fine, around half the minimum, about 140 Eur. However, if a person ignores warnings and keeps infringing, larger fines under Article 122 can be imposed, and for a repeat offence 600 to 850 Eur.
Could I have to compensate the rights holder?
Yes, besides an administrative fine, a rights holder can go to court and claim compensation for the damage caused. In cases of commercial scale or large damage, criminal liability can even arise under the Criminal Code, so the consequences go beyond a single fine.
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