Citizen Journalists vs. Copyright Bullies: A Legal Showdown for Free Speech
Channel 781 News v. Waltham Community Access Corporation is a pivotal case championed by EFF to defend fair use and free speech. WCAC’s takedown notices led to the temporary shutdown of Channel 781’s YouTube channel before an election. The case could set a precedent for copyright law and digital journalism. Stay tuned!
Hot Take:
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. When WCAC gives you DMCA takedowns, make a federal case out of it! Channel 781 is proving that nothing says “we support free speech” quite like a courtroom showdown. Let the games begin!
Key Points:
- Channel 781, a group of citizen journalists, was temporarily shut down on YouTube due to copyright claims by WCAC.
- WCAC accused Channel 781 of copyright infringement for curating city council meeting clips, just before a municipal election.
- EFF and Brown Rudnick LLP represent Channel 781, suing WCAC for misrepresenting DMCA takedown notices.
- The case revolves around the fair use argument, as Channel 781 argues their work is educational and distinct from WCAC’s broadcasts.
- The court is currently considering WCAC’s motion to dismiss the case.
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