Legal Definitions - Copyright and the Challenge of Technology

Copyright is a legal concept that gives the creator of an original work exclusive rights to control its use and distribution. The challenge of technology refers to the difficulties that arise when new technologies make it easier to copy and distribute creative works without permission.

For example, the rise of digital music and file-sharing services like Napster in the late 1990s and early 2000s posed a significant challenge to the music industry's traditional business model. Suddenly, it was much easier for people to share and download music without paying for it, leading to a decline in sales and revenue for record labels and artists.

Another example is the proliferation of online streaming services like Netflix and Hulu, which have disrupted the traditional television and movie industries. These services allow users to watch movies and TV shows on demand, often for a monthly subscription fee, rather than having to purchase or rent physical copies of the content.

These examples illustrate how technology can make it easier to copy and distribute creative works without permission, which can pose a significant challenge to the industries and individuals who rely on copyright protection for their livelihoods.