In the Age
of Computer Networks
Thursday, April 19, 2001
5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Bartos Theater
MIT
Media Lab
20 Ames Street
Copyright developed in the age of the printing press, and was designed
to fit well with the system of centralized copying imposed by the
printing press. But the copyright system does not fit well with
computer networks, and only Draconian punishments can enforce it.
Today the global corporations that profit from copyright are
attempting to increase their copyright powers, while suppressing
public access to technology so that they can retain control. But if
we seriously hope to serve the purpose for which copyright was
established in the US--to promote progress, for the benefit of the
public--what needs to be done is either to reduce copyright powers or
effectively eliminate them, depending on the kind of work.
Governments must now protect the public's right to copy.
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