Right, it's not the same level. Kazaa and Limewire faced theoretical liabilities in the billions. That doesn't mean that the programmers of youtube-dl, or thos

Right, it's not the same level. Kazaa and Limewire faced theoretical liabilities in the billions. That doesn't mean that the programmers of youtube-dl, or those who choose to engage in spreading the program, can't be held liable for much lower levels of damages which are still financially ruinous for an individual even if they're small on an absolute basis. I've been on the other side of an RIAA lawsuit, and their lawyers are aggressive. They offer a carrot settlement, but if that settlement is declined they will beat you with a stick and offer no mercy.