Moral Rights in the Digital Age: New Possibilities for the Democratization of Culture

11 Pages Posted: 14 Apr 2011

Date Written: January 1, 2002

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the impact of digital technology on the moral rights of authors. The ability to reproduce, modify, and redistribute artworks through information technology has made it extremely difficult for authors to monitor the use of their works and, where problems arise, to assert their moral rights. In spite of these issues, however, this paper argues that moral rights are actually growing in importance because of new technologies. It is precisely when the capacity to manipulate works is greatest that concerns about artistic integrity and the preservation of cultural heritage become most pressing. This paper suggests that technological change calls for a new approach to moral rights: the focus in the future should be on cooperative efforts between authors and their public to protect culture. Technology has the effect of "democratizing" the relationship between author and audience by allowing the audience to participate more directly in the creative process with the author. Despite the potential threat to artistic integrity, this transformation should nevertheless be embraced by authors and artists for its positive implications for cultural vitality in the long term.

Suggested Citation

Sundara Rajan, Mira T., Moral Rights in the Digital Age: New Possibilities for the Democratization of Culture (January 1, 2002). International Review of Law, Computers & Technology, Vol. 16, No. 2, pp. 187-197, 2002, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1808306

Mira T. Sundara Rajan (Contact Author)

University of Oxford - Magdalen College ( email )

Magdalen College
Oxford, OX1 4AU
United Kingdom

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