Peer-to-Peer Copying

Author:

Bekhzod Abudurazzakov, Christopher Yang, Dotan Oliar, William Fisher

Subject:

Social Sciences

Institution Name:

Berkman Center for Internet and Society

Collection:

Harvard Law School

Grade Level:

Post-secondary

Abstract:

Most Internet content today is "served" from a central system that takes requests from a user's "client." Typically, the user asks for access to information or other data; the requested content is then "pushed" from the central system to the user. In this model, the various visitors to a given web site do not interact. By contrast, peer-to-peer technology (commonly known as "P2P") creates conversations among individual personal computers (PCs). In this respect, P2P systems resemble an affiliate network where information (rather than referrals) is passed between many people. This module examines the legal and policy implications of P2P technology. Is it beneficial or pernicious? Is it legal or illegal? Which, if any, of the participants in the new networks should be liable to the owners of the copyrights in material that is transmitted and reproduced without permission?

Course Type:

Learning Module

Languages:

English

Material Type:

Readings

Media Format:

Text/HTML, Downloadable docs

Conditions of Use:

Custom Permissions
Please be advised that if you choose to reprint the module materials, you are responsible for asking permission of the individual authors in concordance with U.S. copyright law.