Debate on Copyright in Digital Media and the Internet

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Why do critics argue that copyright laws are too severe?

Because they protect the creators' rights too well

Because they only benefit the software industry

Because they cover small offenses with severe penalties (correct)

Because they do not provide enough financial compensation

Which organizations generally support stricter copyright laws?

Creators and publishers of copyrighted works (correct)

Cybercitizens and the Electronic Frontier Foundation

Scientific organizations and researchers

Librarians and academic organizations

What event in the 1990s led to more focus on copyright issues?

The increase in copyright infringement cases

The passage of the Copyright Act of 1909

The formation of the Electronic Frontier Foundation

The growth of the internet and digital media (correct)

Who often drafts laws in complex areas like copyright?

Industries involved in the area Signup and view all the answers

Why do librarians and academic organizations oppose strict copyright laws?

Because they believe in open access to information Signup and view all the answers

Who has been a powerful lobbyist for stricter copyright laws?

The content industries Signup and view all the answers

What was protected under the first U.S. copyright law passed in 1790?

Books, maps, and charts Signup and view all the answers

What was the requirement for an unauthorized copy according to the Copyright Act of 1909?

It had to be in a form that could be seen and read visually Signup and view all the answers

Why did Congress extend the copyright law over time?

To cover new forms of creative works Signup and view all the answers

What was the original duration of copyright protection under the first U.S. copyright law?

14 years Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the court case involving a perforated piano-music roll?

It challenged the definition of an unauthorized copy Signup and view all the answers

Why do new technologies require changes or clarifications in copyright law?

Because they create new forms of creative works Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the growth in illegal sales of unauthorized copies of recorded music in the 1960s?

It accompanied the growth of the music industry. Signup and view all the answers

What was made a felony in 1982?

High-volume copying of records and movies. Signup and view all the answers

What was the result of the No Electronic Theft Act of 1997?

It made it a criminal offense to willfully infringe copyright for works with total value of more than $1000 within a six-month period. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the penalties for copyright infringement become more severe over time?

Because the penalties were too weak. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main goal in the development of copyright law?

To extend the scope of protection to new technologies. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the ways unauthorized copies of movies get to those who reproduce and sell them illegally?

Recording a movie in a movie theater. Signup and view all the answers