Peer to peer network services used in conjunction with rampant CD and DVD copying has forced the American government to pass laws that help guarantee a content owner’s right to control distribution.  The Canadian government has seen the necessity for similar protections, and has introduced new legislation specifically addressing the issue.

While many online file-swappers and self-proclaimed hackers are furious over the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), they often fail to realize that it was enacted to protect the rights of other Americans.  More specifically, I refer to the rights of any and all content owners.  In short, whether you are an individual with a $300 hand-held video camera, or a member of the elite Hollywood entertainment industry, you have the right to decide how and where to distribute your content.  File-swappers, of course, hate the law because it stiffens the penalties for illegal copying and distribution of digital content.  Nevertheless, just because a self-proclaimed geek can easily do something illegal with their computer, doesn’t mean those activities should be made legal.  Many people argue that the DMCA is overreaching, and the make valid arguments.  Undoubtedly, the law will be tweaked as time goes by.

Near the end of the first quarter of 2005, Judges in Canada ruled that file-sharing as is conducted on peer-to-peer networks is legal.  We should applaud them for this decision.  However, while individual citizens have the right to share files, they still do not have the right to openly distribute copyrighted materials.  As reported by John Borland at CNet, the Canadian government yesterday introduced legislation that could tighten copyright laws to protect content owners in a similar fashion to DMCA protections. 

Groups proclaiming to be “digital consumer advocates” have already begun protesting.  Of course, I am a digital consumer and I assure you these people do not speak for me.  The value in media is diminished to the point of little to zero return on investment when distribution is uncontrolled and media is freely copied.  Certainly the market is big enough to tolerate the small amount of illegal activity that will always exist, but passing laws to protect the rights of copyright owners is necessary to keep the digital media market alive and healthy.  Just like open-source advocates, media-stealing advocates suggest that widespread copying of digital content results in enhanced marketing and exposure while encouraging people to buy their own copies.  Hogwash.  I could care less about the validity of their points because the right of distribution belongs to the content owner.  Once again, just because you can copy media does not mean that it is legal to do so.  The future of the digital media industry depends upon the protection of media owners’ rights.  Individuals who truly appreciate pure digital media will recognize this, and illegal file-swappers will soon be viewed as a force damaging the industry and creating higher prices for law-abiding citizens. 

W.S.