Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA, 1998)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (17 U.S.C. §§ 512, 1201–1332)

2) Why It Was Done
Passed to update U.S. copyright law for the digital age, the DMCA implemented international copyright treaties and created new rules for online service providers, digital media, and technological protections.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
The Copyright Act of 1976 did not address the internet or digital distribution. The DMCA added legal protections for digital rights management (DRM) and clarified liability for online platforms hosting copyrighted material.

4) Overreach or Proper Role?
Supporters argue the DMCA protects creators and rights holders in the digital era. Critics say it has been abused to censor lawful speech, block fair use, and stifle innovation through overbroad takedowns and DRM restrictions.

5) Who or What It Controls

• Online service providers & platforms (safe harbor from liability if they comply with takedown rules)
• Content creators & copyright holders (new enforcement tools against piracy)
• Users (restricted from circumventing DRM, limited in fair use claims)

6) Key Sections / Citations

• 17 U.S.C. § 512 (“Safe Harbor”): Shields platforms from liability if they follow notice-and-takedown rules.
• 17 U.S.C. § 1201: Prohibits circumvention of DRM protections.
• 17 U.S.C. § 1202: Prohibits removal of copyright management information.

7) Recent Changes or Live Controversies

• Widely criticized for abuse of takedown notices against lawful content (e.g., fair use, parody).
• Section 1201 DRM rules limit security research and device repair, fueling the “Right to Repair” movement.
• Still the backbone of U.S. digital copyright enforcement.

8) Official Sources

• Congress.gov – DMCA 1998
• U.S. Code – Title 17 Copyrights
• U.S. Copyright Office – DMCA Overview

• Internet
• Copyright
• Intellectual Property
• Technology
• Digital Media