Island of Freedom for Internet-Pirates

It is not a secret that a lot of present day Internet users dream of free downloading the things of their interest - whether this is their favorite music, books, software or movies. But are they ready to join a state that would break all the laws of copyright?

A group of Internet -pirates has joined forces to acquire their own island and establish there their own state that would remain absolutely independent from the rest of the world. This way they seek for absolute freedom of downloading - the pirates will make the laws of copyright fall into oblivion.

The 'magic' island, Sealand, is situated in the North Sea, seven miles off the coast of southern part of England. Sealand, covering the territory of about 550 square meters, represents a former British naval platform given a status of a 'micronation'. It is considered not to be in the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom or any other country. The island was initially settled in 1967 by Paddy Roy Bates, an English major, who proclaimed Sealand a state and declared himself Prince Roy. The island is presently put up for sale by Prince Michael, Prince Roy's son.

The organizer of the project, the Swedish file-sharing website 'The Pirate Bay' attracts users who feel free to exchange gigabits of music, movies and other data. The website organized money raising campaign through the Internet site BuySealand for acquiring the Sealand to be proclaimed a sovereign state. The place will reach the status of real paradise for those who enjoy high-speed Internet access. Those courageous enough to contribute the money into the purchase and join the 'micronation' will not have to worry about the right of authorship - they will be awarded by VIP-access to 'The Pirate Bay' website.

'The Pirate Bay' has come through difficulties caused by the scrutiny of Swedish authorities - the website did not operate for some time following the raids by the police. It had to move to the Netherlands, but in a month returned to Sweden. A number of organizations supporting the laws of copyright force the Swedish authorities undertake active measures to stop the Internet-pirates' activity.

The Sealand island that would maintain the status of independent community is not going to respect the laws that are well-established all over the world, naturally the law of copyright being no exception. The complete independence will give the file-sharing website a great opportunity to avoid any possible problem with police or those who rigorously fight with breakers of the international copyright laws. It is difficult to say for sure whether this project is worth being put into life, however it will surely find a lot of enthusiastic supporters.