Introduction to CD-RW

CD-RW is a type of storage media that can be used to write amounts of data up to around 650 MB to 700 MB onto an optical compact disc.  Uses range from archiving data and storing images to making copies of software programs and music CDs.
• What is CD-RW?

Copyright and CD-RW

One common use for CD-RW discs is copying of software, music CDs and music files, usually in the .mp3 format.  Many people say different things about what is permitted by law, and what is ethical.  A study of how copyright law relates to the music and software industries is a worthwhile endeavor.
• What is and what is not Copyrighted?
• What are some ways ethics are applied in computing?
• One viewpoint says Copyright laws are unethical.   What are the ethics surrounding Copyright law?  Should Copyright apply to software?  Should it apply to music?

Laws regulating CD-RW

In recent years, many laws have been passed regulating the use of mediums such as CD-RW because of the Copyright issues that surround it.  Laws have been enacted both in the United States and abroad, and often the music industry has been behind their establishment.
• The Audio Home Recording Act of 1992.
• The No Electronic Theft (NET) Act.
• How can software be used legaly?
• Canada has a levy on CD-RW media and other blank audio recording media, it is enforced by the CPCC.  Is taxing these media ethical?  How should the revenues from this tax be used?
• Germany has a similar tax, but on drives that can burn CD-RWs.  Is it ethical to tax the companies that create the burners instead of taxing the consumers who buy the media?

Cases related to CD-RW

Through CD-RW's history many cases have been brought against some of its uses, primarily by the music industry.  Looking at these cases reveals the opinion of the courts on how this media should be used and regulated.
• The RIAA is one of the major players in the contraversey over music CDs and CD-RW. Read The RIAA Position on Home Copying.
• Former court decisions about the Betamax video format have an affect on CD-RW, read about what those decisions imply.
• While not a legal case, a recent incident in the UK put consumers in an uproar. BMG released a CD with anti-copying technology.  Should this kind of technology be allowed on CDs?  Should there be limitations on the technology, on what it can restrict?