Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA)

Definition

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act is a U.S. copyright law that criminalizes the production and dissemination of technology, devices, or services intended to circumvent measures that control access to copyrighted works. It also provides a framework for addressing copyright infringement on the internet.

Analogy

Imagine you have a secret code lock on your diary to protect it from prying eyes. The DMCA is like a law that makes it illegal for someone to create or distribute tools or methods that can crack your code lock and gain unauthorized access to your personal thoughts.

Related terms

Intellectual Property: Creations of the mind, such as inventions, literary and artistic works, symbols, names, images, and designs used in commerce.

Fair Use Guidelines: A set of principles used to determine whether a particular use of copyrighted material is considered fair use under U.S. copyright law.

Takedown Notice: A notification sent by copyright holders requesting the removal of infringing content from websites or online platforms.