DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act)

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), enacted in 1998, is a U.S. law designed to protect copyright holders in the digital age. It makes it illegal to bypass copyright protection mechanisms, like software locks, and addresses online copyright infringement. The DMCA also provides a "safe harbor" for internet service providers (ISPs) and platforms, protecting them from liability if they promptly remove infringing content upon notification. Essentially, the DMCA aims to balance the rights of creators with the realities of digital technology, promoting both copyright protection and innovation.