Question
Is it halachically permissible to watch a movie on the internet which is currently playing in theaters? I assume that it is not permissible to place a movie on the internet which is currently playing in theaters, but once it is already on the internet is it a problem to watch it? (obviously i am referring to a movie which only contains halachically permissible content!) If possible, please provide sources! Thank you!
Answer
ב"ה
Shalom
Gaining benefit from the works of others has been discussed by the poskim. Where the producers of the songs or films have not given their permission and they have monetary loss it is forbidden. (See Tchumin 24 the article of Rav Shlomo Ishon.See also the sefer ביכורי אביב by Rav Nir Aviv who has written much about copyright laws and the internet.)
All the best
