32. May I play videos/movies/films in class?

You may play videos/films/movies in class under the following circumstances:

• You may show a film or other cinematographic work in the classroom if the work is not an infringing copy, the work was obtained legally, and you did not circumvent a digital lock to access the work.
• If you want to show a television news program in the classroom, instructors at educational institutions (or those acting under their authority) may, under the Copyright Act, copy television news programs or news commentaries and play them in class.
• You may show a work available through the Internet (such as a YouTube video), except under the following circumstances:
  • The work is protected by digital locks preventing their performance.
  • A clearly visible notice prohibiting educational use is posted on the website or on the work itself.
  • You have reason to believe that the work available on the Internet is in violation of the copyright owner’s rights.

If you want to show a video in class and need assistance in obtaining video programming, please send an email to copyright@uwaterloo.ca for more information.