If you’ve got lawyers and a copyright, the law gives you tremendous power to silence speech you don’t like. Copyright’s statutory damages can be as high as $150,000 per work infringed, even if n...
Read Full Article »Copyright is a Civil Liberties Nightmare
Discussion Points
- Balancing Copyright Protection with Free Speech: Discuss the tension between protecting intellectual property rights and allowing for free speech and creative expression online.
- The Impact of Broad Copyright Laws on Small Creators: Explore how overly broad copyright laws can stifle innovation and creativity among small creators, researchers, and journalists.
- The Role of End User License Agreements in Shaping Online Behavior: Analyze the influence of EULAs on users' behavior and the potential consequences for free speech and transparency online.
Summary
The current state of copyright law poses a significant threat to free speech and creative expression online. The fear of financial retribution can silence would-be speakers, even if their use is deemed legitimate.
This has led to researchers being intimidated into silence, and small creators being stifleed by overly broad laws. The imbalance of power between authors and mass media owners perpetuates a system that prioritizes the interests of the powerful over those of marginalized voices.
It is essential to reconsider the draconian nature of modern copyright law and strike a balance between protecting intellectual property and preserving free speech.