August 16, 2023
Major record labels are suing the Internet Archive, accusing the nonprofit of copyright infringement for its “Great 78 Project.” The project digitizes sound recordings on 78 RPM records, which were made between 1898 and the late 1950s.
The record labels argue that the Great 78 Project allows users to download and listen to copyrighted music for free, which violates their copyrights. They also allege that the Internet Archive is financially benefiting from the project by advertising it on social media and attracting donations.
The Internet Archive has defended the Great 78 Project, saying that it is a valuable resource for researchers and music historians. They argue that the project is protected by fair use because it is used for educational and non-commercial purposes.
The lawsuit is the latest in a series of legal challenges facing the Internet Archive. In March, a federal judge ruled that the Internet Archive could not lend out e-books without permission from publishers. The ruling is currently being appealed.
The sources for this piece include an article in ArsTechnica.
