Copyright law, digital technology and the future of entertainment

Abstract

Evolutions in file sharing technologies and the Internet are transforming the way that entertainment content is delivered and used by consumers. The traditional control that the entertainment industry was able to exert over content is being usurped as music and movies become increasingly digitized and freely and instantaneously accessible around the globe. Once content is made available in this way, it can be reproduced with perfect fidelity, thereby undermining the exclusive rights to which creators and owners of such content are entitled pursuant to copyright laws. This thesis will critically examine the legality of downloading unauthorized entertainment content over the Internet. This thesis concludes by recommending a compulsory licensing scheme with a "sunset" provision that not only compensates rights holders, but also encourages the use and further development of various technologies, including Digital Rights Management and Peer-to-Peer file sharing systems.