Backdoor censorship: How media giants' copyright protection policies collide with the First Amendment
by Barton, Jill, M.S., UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS, 2008, 68 pages; 1472850

Abstract:

This thesis analyzes an alarming trend among large media companies to use copyright laws to censor news and news-related websites using takedown notices, cease-and-desist letters and other legal threats. The paper examines the origins of takedown problem and the copyright, fair use and First Amendment concerns surrounding the issue. In addition, the paper identifies recent examples of takedowns and related censorship in an effort to explain the takedown problem and lessen its occurrence in the future. The goal of this paper is to provide concrete suggestions for dealing with the takedown problem to better protect the free speech and free press guarantees of the First Amendment. These suggestions include educating online journalists about their legal rights, fighting back against unfounded takedowns, getting added protection with insurance, reforming current copyright laws, publicizing wrongful takedowns, and most important, revising current copyright law.

 
AdviserTed Frederickson
SchoolUNIVERSITY OF KANSAS
SourceMAI/ 48-03, p. , Feb 2010
Source TypeThesis
SubjectsJournalism; Law
Publication Number1472850
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