In this article, you will learn how can blockchain protect copyright. Blockchain allows for the direct and immediate exchange of value without a centralized and trusted third party or intermediaries. One copyright application that has been suggested for blockchain is setting up a global registry of authors to serve as a medium for licensing.
How can Blockchain Protect Copyright?
Blockchain is a decentralized, distributed digital ledger of records. Imagine a spreadsheet that is duplicated thousands of times across a network of computers. Then imagine that this network is designed to regularly update and reconcile all the copies of that spreadsheet so that all records match.
No single person, company or computer is responsible for blockchain, so, in essence, all the records are truly public and easily verifiable. No central storage location makes it almost impossible to manipulate or corrupt. It's the perfect place to document contract 'smart' , sales transactions, bank account balances, the list goes on. You start with the base record (which can never be changed/altered) and changes are added to the ledger as new transactions or as details are added. The current version, along with all the history is completely public and accessible, as the source of truth.
So, in a time where images are uploaded, shared, licensed and stolen online, a digital ledger containing the owner's information, along with a full and detailed transaction history relating to the image offers, at first glance, a solution to the problem of content ownership and copyright.
However, there are a number of fundamental challenges inherent with blockchain technology, as it is, that need to be addressed first in order for it to become a real solution to the questions of 'who owns what'.
How Can Blockchain Copyright Protection Apply to the Law?
Today's legal systems are based on decades of traditional paper records, notarized contracts and courts of law to settle any disputes.
Traditional copyright ownership and registrations are still the norms in present law. Imagine walking into a courtroom, and presenting to the judge a digital blockchain record as your claim to ownership. You won't get very far. There is no process for compensation or damages under the law outside of the traditional sense.
The whole concept of blockchain is that it cannot be centrally controlled, no regulation, no policing. There is no legal takedown process, no cease and desist options. 'Host' cannot be forced to delete the records. If someone is ripping off your work , there simply aren't avenues to pursue.
Watch this space, over the next 5-10 years, but, for the time being, continue with what is legally applicable for today (and the foreseeable future). The current solutions are tried and tested and have legal protections and monetary compensations for abuse and infringements.
Bottom Line
Blockchain is in its infancy which is incredibly exciting. There is no doubt that it will change the norm of online transactions, security and contracts, and to which extent is still unknown. This article is about how can blockchain protect copyright.
