Copyright Silencing
16 Pages Posted: 13 Nov 2020 Last revised: 15 Apr 2021
Date Written: September 22, 2020
Abstract
This essay highlights a practice I call “copyright silencing,” which is the use of copyright to silence criticism and suppress and censor information instead of to protect copyright owners’ legitimate interests in their works. This essay identifies recent examples of copyright silencing, including by Carol Baskin (from Tiger King), Harvey Weinstein, and Dr. Drew, it examines the harm copyright silencing perpetrates, and it explains why it is increasingly difficult to stop copyright silencing.
Keywords: copyright, harvey weinstein, weaponizing copyright, fair use, anti-SLAPP, copyright misuse, censorship
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