Is Pirating Movies Legal in Chile After the 2026 Policy Reforms?

No, pirating movies in Chile violates the Ley de Propiedad Intelectual (Ley 17.336), exposing offenders to fines up to 5,000 UTM (~$430,000 USD) and criminal charges under Código Penal Article 470. The Subsecretaría de Telecomunicaciones (Subtel) and Instituto Nacional de Propiedad Industrial (INAPI) enforce anti-piracy measures, with 2026 amendments tightening ISP liability for unlicensed streaming.


Key Regulations for Pirating Movies in Chile

  • Copyright Infringement: Distributing or reproducing copyrighted films without authorization constitutes a civil and criminal offense under Ley 17.336, with penalties escalating for commercial-scale piracy.
  • Digital Enforcement: ISPs must comply with Ley 21.459 (2023), which mandates blocking infringing sites upon court order, though circumvention tools remain a legal gray area.
  • Penal Code Liability: Under Código Penal Article 470, unauthorized reproduction or public display of films may lead to imprisonment (61 days–5 years) for aggravated cases involving organized crime.

Enforcement prioritizes peer-to-peer networks and unauthorized streaming platforms, with recent crackdowns targeting Torrent and Mega mirror sites. Legal alternatives like Netflix or Disney+ operate under licensed agreements, while public screenings require Sociedad Chilena del Derecho de Autor (SCD) permits.