The Internet and Copyright Protection: Are We Producing a Global Generation of Copyright Criminals?

Abstract

The advent of the internet posed and continues to pose fundamental changes in social norms, politics and economics in society. The belief in cyber anarchy - ‘do not touch the internet’ mantra, has fundamentally altered the understanding of copyright laws amongst the present generation. Subsequently an aversion for property rights as understood by well established copyright laws has developed, manifesting itself mainly through piracy. The evolution of technology in tandem with the internet has further exacerbated the situation as a whole generation that enjoys entertainment finds it much easier to infringe on a litany of copyright laws. Taking into account the established norms of property-copyright protection, is it not clear, with growing copyright malcontents and malfeasance that we are simply producing a global generation of copyright criminals. This discourse explores the veracity of this statement taking into account the nature of the internet, the emergence of digital copying and sharing, alongside the fluid perceptions of copyright protection.