freebooting

Freebooting refers to the act of using content created by someone else without attribution or permission. This often involves taking text, images, videos, or other creative works from one platform and republishing them on another, usually for personal gain, such as increased website traffic or advertising revenue.

The term is most commonly associated with the internet, where the ease of copying and pasting digital content can facilitate freebooting. It is distinct from plagiarism, which is typically understood as presenting someone else's work as one's own academic or intellectual effort, though there is considerable overlap. Freebooting can also encompass the unauthorized use of copyrighted material, making it a form of intellectual property infringement.

While some may view freebooting as harmless or a way to disseminate content more widely, creators often see it as theft. It deprives them of credit for their work and potentially any associated income or opportunities. Many platforms have terms of service that prohibit freebooting and offer mechanisms for copyright holders to report and request the removal of infringing content. The ethical and legal implications of freebooting are a subject of ongoing discussion in the digital space.