Internet Archive and Major Labels Settle Copyright Lawsuit Over ‘Illegal’ Record Digitizing Project

The legal dispute between major music labels and the Internet Archive regarding the digitization of historical recordings has ended in a confidential settlement. This resolution closes a contentious chapter over the "Great 78 Project," which made obsolete shellac records accessible to the public without charge. The labels originally argued this constituted theft, while the Archive defended the effort as essential historical preservation distinct from commercial streaming. This outcome highlights the ongoing tension between traditional copyright enforcement and digital archiving initiatives. For open data advocates, the settlement underscores the fragility of non-profit digital libraries when facing powerful commercial entities. It demonstrates how litigation can threaten the accessibility of cultural heritage, even when the intent is educational and historical rather than profit-driven. The relevance to open data lies in the precedent it sets for preserving born-digital and digitized physical media. The case emphasized the critical need for unrestricted access to raw data and historical records for research and study. Ultimately, it serves as a reminder that open access to cultural artifacts requires robust legal protections to ensure they remain available for future generations, free from the constraints of commercial licensing.

Source: billboard.com
Published on 2025-09-17

Internet Archive and Major Labels Settle Copyright Lawsuit Over ‘Illegal’ Record Digitizing Project

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