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Is Web Scraping Legal?

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33 pointsmnmkng16 comments
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Why shouldn't it be legal?

When you think a bit better about it, it's about the same as regular web browsing. Just automated or scripted.

I don't think there is much that can be done to fully prevent it either, so.

Wasn't half of weev's charge for unauthorized access related to him scripting up automated GET requests? It's not clear to me that it is definitely legal IANAL

... it's about the same as regular web browsing.

Is this how youtube-dl was able to get out of the DMCA takedown? By saying that it's just acting on the links in the public HTML of YouTube?

I found the article overall useful. It seems to me that this issue is still not completely resolved, esp world-wide. The author gives disclaimer that they are not a lawyer, and then give what seems like their opinions. They give a scattering of references to court cases. But it seems they could have done a better job of giving proof for their claims. (UPDATE: The latter part of the article does better than the first.)

The author here. I actually am a lawyer. I just wanted to make it clear that I'm not "your" lawyer and therefore can't give advice on your specific use-case. Thanks for feedback. Might want to clarify that.

Not super excited about this reaches very broad conclusions about legality while really only considering two jurisdictions - US and EU.

Is note taking piracy?

depends on the note that you are taking.

is it ethical to use a spyglass and take note of someones combinations to the lock for entry of their home?

You wouldn't download a house!

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