INTERNET ARCHIVE: A CONTROVERSIAL DIGITAL LIBRARY

Why in the News?

  • Internet Archive (IA), faces legal challenges from major publishers like Hachette and HarperCollins.
  • Accused of copyright violations for digitizing and distributing books without permission.
  • Issue escalated due to IA’s ‘National Emergency Library’ initiative during the pandemic.
Source: NWU

What are Internet archives?

  • Internet archives are digital repositories that collect and store vast amounts of online content, preserving web pages, texts, videos, and more.
  • They ensure historical records and cultural artifacts remain accessible over time. Internet Archive, for example, digitizes books and websites, making them available for public access.
  • These archives serve as invaluable resources for research, education, and preserving digital heritage.
What is Copyright?

Copyright is a legal right that grants creators exclusive control over their original works, such as books, music, or art. It prevents others from copying, distributing, or using these works without permission, ensuring creators can profit and control how their creations are used

About Copyright Act 1957 :

  • Definition: Protects original creations like literature, art, music, films, and software in India, safeguarding expressions of ideas rather than the ideas themselves.
  • Owner’s Rights: Gives exclusive rights to adapt, reproduce, publish, translate, and communicate works to the public.
  • Amendments: Revised several times, most recently in 2012.

Key Sections:

  • Section 2: Defines works covered (e.g., literary, dramatic).
  • Section 13: Extends protection to literary, musical, and other works.
  • Section 14: Grants exclusive rights like reproduction and translation, requiring permission from the copyright owner for use.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/ai-and-the-issue-of-human-centricity-in-copyright-law/