DMCA
Digital Millennium Copyright Act
Since they were enacted in 1998, the "anti-circumvention" provisions of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act ("DMCA") have not been used as Congress envisioned. Congress meant to stop copyright pirates from defeating DRM restrictions (aka content or copy protections) added to copyrighted works and to ban the "black box" devices intended for that purpose.
In practice, the DMCA and DRM have done nothing to stop "Internet piracy." Yet the DMCA has become a serious threat that jeopardizes fair use, impedes competition and innovation, chills free expression and scientific research, and interferes with computer intrusion laws. If you circumvent DRM locks for noninfringing fair uses or create the tools to do so, you might be on the receiving end of a lawsuit.
EFF has fought hard against the DMCA in the courts, Congress, and other forums. Learn more through the links below, and take action now to support DMCA reform.
DMCA Cases
In The News
- PC WORLD | January 18, 2008 Could Traffic Filtering Get AT&T Into Trouble?
- IN THESE TIMES | January 18, 2008 Save the Dramatic Chipmunk
- NEW YORK TIMES | December 31, 2007 In the Fight Over Piracy, a Rare Stand for Privacy
Related Issues
- Digital VideoDigital Video Restrictions
Whitepapers
Deeplinks Posts
- October 02, 2008 Why MPAA Should Lose Against RealDVD
- September 29, 2008 Court Protects Privacy of Satellite Receiver Owners
- September 25, 2008 YouTube Anti-Scientology Takedowns: Good News, Bad News
Press Releases
- June 11, 2008 Judge Shoots Down Universal's Bogus Infringement Allegations
- June 12, 2007 Spoon-Bending 'Paranormalist' Ramps Up Illegal Attacks on Online Critic
- June 11, 2007 Hollywood Continues Legal Battle Against Remote DVRs
