comp sci

United States Copyright Act (1976) - Extends copyright protection to “original works of authorship fixed in any tangible medium of expression, now known or later developed, from which they can be perceived, reproduced, or otherwise communicated, either directly or with the aid of a machine or device.”

Fair Use Doctrine - Allows copying for educational or personal use if only a portion of the original work is used and it does not substantially affect the market for the original work.

Computer Fraud and Abuse Act - Criminalizes unauthorized computer access, transmission of damaging programs, and distribution of passwords enabling unauthorized access. (Amended in 1994, 1996, 2001, and by the USA PATRIOT Act.)

Digital Millennium Copyright Act (1998) - Makes it illegal to circumvent copy-protection technologies and distribute cracking software. Protects ISPs from liability for subscriber infringements if prompt action is taken.

Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (1998) - Regulates the collection and posting of data about children under the age of 13.

USA PATRIOT Act (2001) - Enhances law enforcement authority to monitor electronic communications and disclose threatening activities. Increases penalties for hackers and offers safe harbor to ISPs that report suspicious activities.

CAN-SPAM Act (2003) - Sets national standards for sending commercial email, requiring a valid subject line, sender’s physical address, and an opt-out mechanism.

MGM v. Grokster (2005) - Refines Sony Corp. v. Universal City Studios by holding companies accountable for user infringement if they actively encourage infringement, as seen with peer-to-peer file sharing networks.