Digital Ownership: The Case of E‐Books

Abstract

ABSTRACT Ownership of digital information products in the digital age presents an intricate issue. While research has shown that individuals experience a sense of ownership over their digital possessions, the scope of digital ownership rights in comparison to physical entities remains unclear. Amongst various digital products, e‐books stand out due to their ubiquity. This paper presents the results of an empirical research study that used an online survey to examine e‐book consumers' perspectives on digital ownership and digital rights. The study revealed that while most participants value and desire ownership rights, certain conventional ownership rights, such as reselling, gifting, and lending, are deemed less significant and can be relinquished by consumers due to cost‐related factors. Furthermore, contrary to prevailing assumptions, the study found no discernible generational gap concerning people's perceptions of digital ownership rights. These findings hold implications for researchers, policymakers, and public‐interest groups seeking to advocate for the public's digital rights.