Downloading resources from the Web is beginning to be fairly common. What do you think the legal issues are when doing this? Should people expect to give up property rights to material they have created when they post it on the Web? Why or why not?
http://www.google.com/search?q=fair+use+agreement&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7&rlz=1I7SUNA_en
Read about "fair use" and copyrights.
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When downloading resources from the web, there are several legal issues to consider. The specific issues can vary depending on the jurisdiction, but I can provide a general overview.
1. Copyright: This is perhaps the most common legal issue related to downloading content from the web. Copyright protects the original expression of ideas, such as text, images, music, videos, software, etc. Unless the content is explicitly labeled as free to use or falls under a specific exception (such as fair use in the United States), downloading copyrighted material without permission may infringe upon the rights of the creator.
2. Licensing: Some content on the web may be made available under licenses that specify how it can be used, modified, or shared. Examples include Creative Commons licenses, which offer a more flexible approach to copyright. When downloading such content, it's important to understand and comply with the terms of the applicable license.
3. Terms of Service: Websites often have terms of service or user agreements that govern the use of their content. These agreements may place certain restrictions on downloading or sharing materials. It's crucial to review and adhere to these terms to avoid any legal issues.
Regarding the second part of your question, whether people should expect to give up property rights to materials they have created when posting them on the web, it depends on various factors. When users willingly share their creations on the web, they may choose to retain their property rights while granting certain usage rights to others. For instance, a photographer may post their images online but still retain the copyright and expect others to seek permission for commercial use. On the other hand, some content creators may intentionally release their work into the public domain or use licenses that allow more liberal usage. Ultimately, it's up to the creator to decide how they want to handle the ownership and rights associated with their creations.
It's important for creators to be aware of the potential consequences of sharing their work online and for users to respect the rights of content creators when downloading materials. It's always advisable to seek permission when in doubt to avoid any legal complications.