I Asked ChatGPT: "Is it Legal to Download PS1 Games from Archive.org?"
While surfing through the Internet Archive, I noticed many backups of old commercial games. For example, you can find the 3 disks for Final Fantasy VII for the original Playstation on Archive.org.
I thought it was okay to download anything from the Internet Archive as it isn't a piracy website but a historical archiving platform. It's also highly reputable. Still, I had my suspicions...
Is it legal to download PS1 games from achieve.org?
ChatGPT: No, it is not legal to download PlayStation 1 (PS1) games from Archive.org unless the games are explicitly released as freeware or have entered the public domain, which is extremely rare for commercial video games.
The AI explained to me that most PS1 are protected by copyright law, and downloading them without authorization from the copyright holders is considered piracy.
The Internet Archive (archive.org) is a well-known digital library but just because a file is available on Archive.org doesn't mean it's legally free to download.
ChatGPT: Always ensure that any game or software you download is either in the public domain, released as freeware, or legally distributed with proper permissions from the rights holders.
That was a strong argument, but I decided to ask further.
But archive.org is a reputable site, won't it remove games if they are illegal to download?
ChatGPT: Given the vast amount of content uploaded by various users, it's challenging for the site to continuously and accurately monitor all material for copyright compliance. While Archive.org does make efforts to remove infringing content when notified, it is not infallible.
When it comes to PS1 games, ChatGPT reaffirms that they're under copyright protection. As long as the permission to download them isn't given by the copyright holders. (If it's not tagged as Freeware or Public Domain.) It still counts as Piracy after all. No matter where they're downloaded from.
So, I finally asked the real question:
The games can be played on archive.org itself. Are they legal to play on-site as long as the copyright holders don't take them down?
ChatGPT: Playing PS1 games directly on Archive.org can still be legally questionable, even if they are not downloaded to your device. The legality hinges on whether the games were uploaded with the permission of the copyright holders.
Apparently, since the games are uploaded by users. It's not legal to play them on archive.org without permission from the copyright holders. I'm still not 100% convinced, but at least we know the excuse won't hold value in court now.
Final Thoughts
I have mixed feelings about this revelation. I thought I found a loophole in the system when I found Playstation 1 games over archive.org, but it's good to finally know for sure.
I don't want to advocate for Piracy, but if you're going to pirate anyway, it's better to use a reputable site like archive.org than the many piracy websites over the internet. There will be fewer ads and malware this way. Of course, archive.org's catalog is limited. You'll never find anything by Nintendo over there.
As someone who only knew games through Piracy in my early gaming years, I understand that not everyone can buy games. While not playing would be the most ethical option, I don't think piracy is all evil. I wouldn't be buying games today if I didn't have access to them illegally while I was young. If you can, however, support the actual copyright holders.
Thanks for Reading
You can check out my conversation with ChatGPT via this link. Have a nice read.~
You can check PS1 games on Archive.org here: Link.
Posted Using InLeo Alpha
ChatGPT knows everything.😁
Well, when you use it long enough you start to see where its limits lie, but it brings better results than a Google search!
Ah, thank you for the information.😊
it really depends on your worldview i guess. over a decade ago there have been statements and assertions that movies and games are often uploaded directly by forces within the respective publishing studios themselves. you can see this in the simple fact that a staggeringly large quantity of new movies and games... have been leaked even before the official release date. somebody wants it out there.
if the aim of these media is to reach people and influence the public at large, the more consumers the better. see it as subsidizing for even more reach. if people dont pay for it, at least they consume the content which - some would argue - is the main point of media: to be consumed, not to be sold per se.
whatever the truth is, i still find it absolutely logical and apt that hollywood for instance is not about making money primarily. rather it is about altering perception and controlling public narratives first and foremost, even if it comes at a superficial financial 'loss'. upholding the spell is more important to those who cast them, and with the right connections money is of little concern when you can direct people's lives without them realizing it...
i could be wrong of course ;)
That's an interesting way to look at things, and while I don't know about Hollywood, I can clearly see that Disney these days isn't about money at all, but they want to send a message. A message I highly disagree with!!
great example actually. i of course dont know either. i just find that this theory is more plausible than it might seem at first. maybe we will find out more in the coming years. everything seems in transition right now and many incredible but credible ideas surface.
you have reminded me of it with your article and i thank you for it.
blessings