NCJ Number
169200
Date Published
1997
Length
6 pages
Annotation
The regulation of intellectual property infringements through piracy committed on the Internet is examined, with emphasis on issues and implications for Australia.
Abstract
The manner in which copyright is created and infringed on the Internet has been debated extensively in recent years. Among the issues are how to identify the creators of works, the impact of digitization on the traditional categories of works, and whether information should be considered a proprietary commodity. The current area of greatest concern relates to computer software piracy committed on Internet Bulletin Board systems. Possible strategies for regulation include criminal and civil remedies through existing law, changing behavior of Internet users through education in the ethics of using the Internet, marketplace regulation, contractual arrangements, technological solutions, and the imposition of liability on carriers and service providers. The resolution of the question of Internet piracy will depend ultimately on how a balance is struck between the protection of public interests such as the right to obtain information and private interests such as the need to protect authors' works from unauthorized reproduction. The number and complexity of the legal and social issues make it unlikely that all interests will be accommodated prior to reforms taking place. In addition, the impacts of any regulatory responses need to be monitored so that problems can be remedied before the global community experiences irremediable harm. 21 references