Digital Millenium Copyright Act

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), enacted in 1998, is a U.S. law that addresses online copyright issues. It makes it illegal to share or distribute copyrighted works without permission, including digital copies of music, movies, or software. The DMCA also provides safe harbors for internet service providers and platforms, meaning they aren’t responsible for users’ copyright violations if they act quickly to remove infringing content once notified. Additionally, it criminalizes bypassing digital protections like DRM (Digital Rights Management) systems that prevent unauthorized copying. Overall, it aims to protect creators’ rights while balancing fair use and innovation in the digital environment.