Summary

The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) is upgrading its website license to Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International, emphasizing the importance of open licensing in building a shared culture. By using open licenses, creators can ensure their work is widely distributed while retaining control over certain rights.

This shift highlights the need for flexible and transparent licensing frameworks, particularly in light of draconian copyright laws and penalties. The EFF's decision underscores the value of open licensing in promoting cultural sharing, preservation, and education, while also acknowledging the complexities and challenges associated with navigating copyright regimes globally.

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.