The Impact of Digital Technologies on Traditional Copyright Law: Legal Adaptations and Challenges

Abstract

The rapid advancements in digital technologies have significantly transformed the landscape of copyright law, challenging traditional notions of authorship, reproduction, and distribution. This article provides a comprehensive review of how digital technologies—such as the internet, file-sharing platforms, blockchain, and artificial intelligence (AI)—have impacted the core principles of copyright law. Traditionally, copyright law has been designed to protect the rights of creators by granting exclusive rights to the reproduction, distribution, and performance of their works. However, the advent of digital technologies has complicated these protections by enabling the easy and widespread sharing of content online, often without the consent of copyright holders. This review explores the evolving legal challenges surrounding copyright enforcement, including jurisdictional issues, the anonymity of online infringers, and the role of intermediaries such as social media platforms. Additionally, the article examines how the digitization of creative works has led to increased piracy and unauthorized sharing of content, complicating traditional enforcement mechanisms. Furthermore, the impact of AI in content creation raises new questions about authorship, originality, and the applicability of copyright law to AI-generated works. Finally, the article discusses potential legal reforms, including the adoption of blockchain technology for more transparent copyright management and the need for international cooperation in enforcement. The review underscores the ongoing struggle to balance copyright protection with the promotion of innovation and access to knowledge in the digital age. As technology continues to evolve, copyright law must adapt to address the unique challenges posed by digital platforms and emerging technologies.