Copies, Clouds, and Streams
Copies, Clouds, and Streams
This chapter outlines three major transformations in how consumers acquire copyrighted content, and the gradual erosion of ownership rights that accompanied them. Historically, copyrighted works were distributed through tangible copies. In the early 2000s, the first transformation took place through the rise of digital downloads. Second, remote cloud storage allowed consumers to access remote copies through high-speed data connections. The third major shift, to subscription streaming services, is now underway. With each step in this progression, consumers have sacrificed permanence and stability for lower prices and convenience. More importantly, copyright law has failed to keep up with the development of these new technologies. Copyright law has focused on the copy/work distinction to delineate the rights of copyright holders and consumers, but the traditional tangible copy is disappearing from the marketplace.
Keywords: Download, Cloud, Copy, Subscription, Streaming, Tangible copies, Digital copies
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