New Threats to Intellectual Freedom: The Loss of the Information Commons through Law and Technology in the US

Abstract

This chapter explores the growing threats to intellectual freedom through the loss of the information commons in the U.S. as a direct result of advances and changes in technology and laws. In particular, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and the Sonny Bono Copyright Extension Act are considered, as is the 2003 Federal Communications Commission ruling on media consolidation. When these laws are combined with current technological developments, intellectual freedom faces serious threats. As a foundation in a democratic society, consumers should take heed of this growing erosion of rights and access to information.