23. Bit protection

The technological realities associated with new digital media present numerous challenges. Bits are easily copied and shared. Online networks connect large groups of people. Business practices and legal systems have been, for the most part, designed and developed in "analog times." "Protections" no longer "solve."

Roughly speaking, the status of some of what
passes for "protection" and problems with it.

Difficulties protecting bits from people.

Difficulties protecting people from bits.

*Summary, DMCA, p. 3-7. [.pdf]

*Sample argument: what's wrong with the DMCA?

Study Question: Before answering, be sure to read the marked articles in the three subsections.

Sketch the basic "positions" about protection and controls from the position of the industries, consumer, individual producer, government.

Want to learn more?

Bollier, David. "Reclaiming the American Commons"
Bollier, David (2005) Brand Name Bullies: The Quest to Own and Control Culture
Lessig, Lawrence (2001) .The Future of Ideas: The Fate of the Commons in a Connected World
Lessig, Lawrence (2004). Free Culture: How Big Media Uses Technology and the Law to Lock Down Culture and Control Creativity. Penguin Press.
Litman, Jessica (2001) Digital Copyright
McLeod, Kembrew (2001). Owning Culture: Authorship, Ownership, & Intellectual Property Law. Peter Lang.