The controversial online Peer 2 Peer programs have continually been debated, defended, and criticized by its creators, users and “victims”. I can understand how the public sharing of music and movie files for free is problematic, but where is the line drawn between public and private spheres. Internet2 is a file sharing program that was designed to aid top universities in researching the “next generation” of Internet. This program is private, only allowing access to university members, including students and faculty. However, there has been numerous amounts of music and movie file sharing amongst quite a few top universities, including NYU and Columbia University. Using unknown sources, the Recording Industry Association of America was alerted of the “illegal” file sharing, and took judicial action, placing lawsuits against many college students who “abused” the RIAA’s property. The question remains, does the RIAA really have the authority to deem file sharing in a private sphere, copyright infringement? In my opinion, the answer is no! The way I see it, as a student, I use other forms of compiled documents and media sources, such as Pro Quest that exclusively allows me, as a registered student, to use such resources at my discretion for academic and other reasons of my choice. These acquired resources serve their purpose, and are not then redistributed to “outsiders”, or are they. The fact is that I could access these documents, print them out, and illegally distribute them to as many people as possible. What the RIAA is fighting 18-23 year old students for is an issue that can not be resolved through lawsuits, but instead one that is increasingly occurring throughout the web by many users. Another part of the RIAA’s complaint is that this private network allows for faster downloads, almost half the speed, of traditional illegal or legal downloads of files. This argument is weak because many college students and Internet users alike are constantly downloading free files regardless of time lengths. Instead of monitoring and attacking academic programs such as Internet2, the RIAA, along with the MPAA, and other entertainment creators need to adapt to the changing digital world that is constantly evolving at immense speeds.
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About
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In this course we will focus on a seemingly esoteric legal subject that is now located at the heart of many social, cultural, economic, and political conflicts: copyright law. While initially codified as a state granted monopoly designed to to encourage publishers and established authors to invest in culture, copyright law has now extended into every part of our day to day life and interaction with media. Moreover, the law is obviously and increasingly dangerously out of touch with digital culture. But what is really at stake in the copyright battles? Does our law reward profit, control, or culture? Should culture be owned? Does it even make sense to call it "intellectual property"?
In our efforts to better understand these issues, we will read both primary and secondary materials, covering subjects ranging from the birth of copyright to contemporary justifications for copyright reform, analyze relevant and interesting documentary films, and enjoy guest lectures from a range of established speakers.
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In this course we will focus on a seemingly esoteric legal subject that is now located at the heart of many social, cultural, economic, and political conflicts: copyright law. While initially codified as a state granted monopoly designed to to encourage publishers and established authors to invest in culture, copyright law has now extended into every part of our day to day life and interaction with media. Moreover, the law is obviously and increasingly dangerously out of touch with digital culture. But what is really at stake in the copyright battles? Does our law reward profit, control, or culture? Should culture be owned? Does it even make sense to call it "intellectual property"?
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