Is Twitter copyright broken? Twitter is in big trouble as users of the platform have shared full-length movies on the platform.
Twitter is beginning to show cracks as users post full movies there, many of which have not yet been removed. Showing that as a warning that the copyright violation policy of the dominant social media platform is not being properly applied. Is a new one added to Elon Musk’s troubles regarding the Twitter platform?
How is the Twitter copyright broken?
This weekend, a Twitter user who posted ”The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift” in two-minute pieces across, went viral with more than 50 tweets. Forbes reported that the account had been suspended, but the media itself did not stop reposting the tweets for a while. There are also other users who posted the 2009 film ”Avatar” and the 1995 movie ”Hackers”, all of which have since been removed from Twitter.
Some movies, such as ”Need for Speed” and the Japanese superhero movie ”Kamen Rider Heisei Generations Forever”, are still viewable on Twitter as of the time of this writing while the more famous movie threads have gone viral, leading to their deletion. Even television programs like ”Spongebob Squarepants” are posted on the website.
What awaits Twitter?
The “original works of authorship” fixed in a physical medium are safeguarded by the United States copyright law. This includes literary, theatrical, musical, artistic, and other intellectual works. Written works, whether published or unpublished, are covered by this protection. The following sorts of works are covered by copyright law:
- Literary
- Musical
- Dramatic
- Pantomimes and choreographic works
- Pictorial, graphic, and sculptural works
- Audio-visual works
- Sound recordings
- Derivative works
- Compilations
- Architectural works
As a matter of fact, sharing complete movies is against Twitter’s copyright policy and this shouldn’t come as a surprise to you. However, in light of recent company-wide developments, It appears that the platform is currently being operated by a skeleton staff. Long, 40+ minute movies for Twitter Blue subscribers were one of Musk’s plans after taking the company over, but if the site’s automated copyright enforcement system cannot be corrected, that plan may need to be put on hold for the time being.
According to Twitter’s copyright policy:
“Twitter will respond to reports of alleged copyright infringement, such as allegations concerning the unauthorized use of a copyrighted image as a profile or header photo, allegations concerning the unauthorized use of a copyrighted video or image uploaded through our media hosting services, or Tweets containing links to allegedly infringing materials.”
The malfunctioning copyright mechanism adds to Twitter’s growing list of issues by exposing the website to additional potential legal action. As of this writing, Twitter is already dealing with a number of class action lawsuits as well as prospective FTC legal action.
What is copyright?
More than only unauthorized music downloads can constitute copyright infringement. Many different kinds of materials in the business, science, education, the arts, and other fields are covered by copyright law. It can be just as crucial for the author of a work as it is for those requesting access to protect original work from theft or misuse by others and to comprehend what constitutes copyright infringement.
Copyright infringement happens when someone uses the exclusive rights of the work’s creator without authorization. This covers all distribution methods (such as retailing, broadcasting, performing, etc.), as well as any adaptation or other copies of the work. Although copyright infringement can happen whether or not the offender is motivated by financial gain, the case for copyright infringement is typically stronger when there isn’t a financial incentive.
Examples of Copyright Infringement
- Downloading music files illegitimately
- Copyrighted content from another person being uploaded to a publicly accessible website
- Downloading approved software from a prohibited website
- Copying and modifying another person’s creative work without making substantial changes
- Capturing a film in a cinema
- Distributing a TV show or radio broadcast’s recording
- Unauthorized use of another person’s images on a website
- Publishing a video with a tune that is protected by copyright to a business website
- Selling products with brands, text, or images protected by copyright
Elon Musk’s problems continue to increase since he took over the platform. We will continue to inform you about the developments regarding the copyright problem on Twitter. If you would like to read about the reasons for recent resignations on Twitter, take a look at our article titled Twitter resignations explained: What happened to Twitter now?
