The bruising clash over a Facebook Live stream

The bruising clash over a Facebook Live stream

It's a skirmish that has sparked intriguing debate in Australia this week, raising questions about whether individuals - and social media companies - should be held accountable for copyright infringement.

What's this all about?
A boxing match between high-profile Australian boxers Anthony Mundine and Danny Green took place last Friday, a final chapter in their long-running rivalry.
Cable TV rights-holder Foxtel charged viewers almost A$60 (£37; $46) to watch it. But only 27% of Australians have access to cable TV and annual Foxtel subscriptions cost between A$600 and A$1800.

One fan, Darren Sharpe, took matters into his own hands. Using a function available to all Facebook users, he broadcast the fight from his phone to "a few friends who couldn't afford the event".
His Facebook Live stream was rapidly shared, and at one point more than 100,000 people were watching the feed.

It did not go unnoticed by Foxtel. A representative for the company phoned Mr Sharpe asking him to end his stream. The call was also broadcast live.
Mr Sharpe is heard saying: "I'm not doing anything wrong, mate. What can you do to me?"
The representative replies: "It's a criminal offence against the Copyright Act, mate. We've got technical protection methods inside the box so exactly this thing can't happen."