The pandemic has definitely changed how people watch movies. Across the country movie theaters are either closed or limiting the number of people allowed inside, and now most people are streaming their movies and tv shows. Even after quarantine its impact on the movie industry will remain, and streaming will continue to remain ubiquitous. Many movie studios like Warner Brothers have changed the way they are releasing movies.

Now according to Screen Rant and Comic Book Resources Congress will be voting on a new bill. This bill was proposed by Senator Thom Tillis and it is a stimulus bill that will among other things is supposed to help the film industry. The bill also includes a line of text declaring that illegal streaming for financial gain will be a felony. Anyone committing this crime could face up to ten years in prison. The full text of the bill can be read here.

Politicians and the entertainment industry have been trying to crack down on piracy for decades. Senator Amy Klobuchar tried to get a bill passed that attacked the viewers or users who were streaming the content, but her bill failed to pass. Many people are familiar with the old Anti Piracy PSA videos.

The stimulus bill has attracted a lot of controversy besides this piracy line.