Image via WikipediaCyber Laws
By Matt Russo
The internet is a melting pot for all types of media. The creation of the internet has opened up a whole new area of employment. Many people make their livelihood from the internet, some not all good. Everyone is now aware that downloading music for free online is illegal but there is also a present lawsuit pending involving YouTube. Viacom representing numerous other entities such as Paramount Pictures, BET, CMT, etc. is suing YouTube for posting their media alleging that just compensation for their original works is being denied.
“As a result, plaintiffs allege that certain of their writers, composers and performers are being denied just compensation for their original works:”Viacom Intern., Inc. v. YouTube, Inc. 2009 WL 102808, 1 (N.D.Cal.) (N.D.Cal.,2009)
YouTube moved for summary judgment under 17 U.S.C. § 512(c), “safe harbor” rules allow internet servers the ability to post copyright material is they don’t have knowledge or notice of everything posted. The lawsuit is still pending and could set a new precedent for internet postings.
This is just an example of how the internet has not only created a new world of employment but also a whole new set of laws, Cyber laws.
