What does the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) implement?

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) implements two treaties from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) that address copyright issues in the digital age. Specifically, the DMCA was enacted to align U.S. copyright law with these international treaties, which focus on the protection of creators’ rights in the online environment. The DMCA enhances the protection of copyrighted material by establishing liability for those who circumvent digital rights management (DRM) technologies, which are used to protect copyrighted works.

Additionally, the DMCA includes provisions that provide a safe harbor for Internet service providers (ISPs) from liability for infringing content uploaded by their users, provided they comply with certain requirements. This legislation reflects the balance between protecting the rights of creators and facilitating access to information in the digital realm. It also addresses the rapidly changing landscape of technology and copyright, ensuring that laws remain relevant in the face of new challenges online.