Coppyright In The Digital Age Challenge

usinfo.state.gov, Mar 16, 2006

Since its inception, copyright law has responded to technological change. Today, the changes that are grabbing all the headlines relate to digital technology and digital communications networks, such as the Internet and personal computers. These technologies, like many innovations, are both promising and potentially harmful to various parties interested in the use and exploitation of works of authorship, from books and music to films and web pages.

There is no doubt that the issues related to achieving the right balance between these interests in light of recent developments are daunting and justifiably can be described as "new" or "unique." But, at the same time, they are merely one step in a journey of continual and successful adaptation that characterizes the history of copyright law. This article examines some of the digital issues faced by copyright law today.