Record Labels Sue Internet Archive’s Great 78 Project for $412 Million
Major record labels, including Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment, have filed a lawsuit against the nonprofit Internet Archive over its Great 78 Project. The labels claim that the project, which streams digitized music from vintage records, is operating as an illegal record store. The extensive collection includes iconic artists such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, and Billie Holiday, featuring a total of 2,749 sound recordings.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court on Friday, alleges that the Internet Archive’s actions constitute copyright infringement. The record labels argue that damages as high as $412 million could be incurred due to the alleged violations. However, representatives for the Internet Archive have not yet responded to the legal action.
The Internet Archive, based in San Francisco, describes itself as a library with the mission of providing universal access to knowledge. However, it is no stranger to legal disputes, as it currently faces another lawsuit from major book publishers regarding its digital book lending program. Following a ruling in favor of the publishers in March, the case is currently under appeal.
According to the labels’ lawsuit, the Great 78 Project features well-known tracks such as Bing Crosby’s White Christmas, Chuck Berry’s Roll Over Beethoven, and Duke Ellington’s It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing). The plaintiffs argue that these recordings are already available on authorized streaming platforms and are not at risk of being lost, forgotten, or destroyed.
While these allegations are certainly concerning for the Internet Archive, it is important to consider different perspectives on the matter. Supporters of the organization argue that it contributes to preserving and providing access to historical cultural artifacts. However, the legal battle will ultimately determine the fate of the Great 78 Project and its impact on the music industry.
As the lawsuit progresses, it becomes evident that copyright infringement remains a contentious issue in the digital age. Balancing the interests of artists, record labels, and platforms like the Internet Archive poses significant challenges. Both proponents and opponents of the project will surely follow the legal proceedings closely, eager to see how the court’s decision could shape the future of digital archiving and music preservation.
In the meantime, the Internet Archive continues to face scrutiny and legal battles that put its mission and practices under the microscope. It is still unclear how these legal disputes will affect the organization’s ability to fulfill its mission of universal access to knowledge, both in terms of music recordings and digital books. The outcome of the pending lawsuits will serve as a significant precedent in determining the boundaries of copyright and fair use in the digital landscape.
