Is digital different? : the debate over fair dealing, copyright laws and how they apply to the digital environment

Abstract

As the amount of electronic information increases concerns are being raised over whether or not fair dealing and other exceptions to copyright law are relevant in the digital environment. Will new information technology allow copyright holders to 'lock away' information so it can be used only by those who pay a fee? Will the users of information simply be able to copy and disseminate as much information as they please without paying? This thesis will argue that the fair dealing exceptions to copyright law in Australia, New Zealand and the UK are still relevant in the digital information environment. Without exceptions to copyright controls the wider goals of copyright law will not be achieved and access to information will be limited.