Overview
iwouldntsteal.net is a domain rooted in digital culture and activism. Launched in January 2008, it housed a Creative Commons–licensed video titled "I Wouldn’t Steal," which satirized the entertainment industry’s anti-piracy campaigns.
History
- January 2008: Domain registered and launched by the European Greens–European Free Alliance (Greens/EFA).
- 2008: Hosted the "I Wouldn’t Steal" video, a parody of the film industry’s "You wouldn’t steal a car" anti-piracy ads.
- Creative Commons License: Video released under CC BY 2.0, allowing free sharing and adaptation with attribution.
- 2008–2010: Gained traction as a counterpoint in debates over non-commercial file-sharing versus theft.
- 2010s: Social media and video platforms reduced direct site visits; archival snapshots on Wayback Machine preserved historical content.
Original Purpose
The site’s main objective was to challenge the narrative equating non-commercial file-sharing with theft. By parodying the film industry's anti-piracy ads, it emphasized distinctions between sharing and stealing.
Key aims:
- Highlight digital rights and file-sharing ethics.
- Provide an embeddable critique of heavy-handed anti-piracy messaging.
- Foster public discussion on legal and moral dimensions of non-commercial file-sharing.