Browsing by Subject "copyright enforcement"

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    Open Access
    How can emerging technology remedy the deficiency in robust enforcement mechanisms for digital copyright infringement within the South African music industry?
    (2025) Mushati, Julita; Ncube, Caroline
    This dissertation examines the deficiency in robust enforcement mechanisms for digital copyright infringement within the South African music industry, which constant technology developments have worsened. The emergence of technology has been a dual-edged sword for the music industry. While it empowers musicians to reach vast consumers, it simultaneously simplifies and accelerates unwarranted copying, access, and reproduction of copyrighted material. Consequently, protecting intellectual property rights has become strenuous due to the rapid increase of file-sharing systems, therefore, prompting a dire need for modernised solutions. The principal purpose of this research is to explore how emerging technologies can assist in reinforcing enforcement mechanisms and analyse the deficiencies in the South African music industry context. This study utilises a desk research method examining emerging technologies and their association with the enforcement of copyrights in the music industry. Technologies such as Digital audio watermarking, Blockchain technology, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, digital audio fingerprinting, and machine learning will be examined in this paper, and how these emerging technologies can potentially establish robust enforcement mechanisms. In particular, the findings of this research reveal the dual role of technology that enables digital copyright infringement, which presents a substantial threat to the protection of copyright, however, emerging technology can be tactically employed to address the enforcement challenges, and the need for Copyright laws to be at par with technological advancements. This dissertation provides informative and valuable awareness of the relationship between merging technology and enforcement mechanisms within the context of the South African music industry and how this relationship can foster an environment that upholds copyright works and affords musicians the recognition and financial incentive they deserve.
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    Open Access
    Leveraging blockchain and artificial intelligence for enhanced copyright enforcement in South Africa
    (2025) Mugauri, Joseph; Ncube, Caroline
    Leveraging Blockchain and Artificial Intelligence for Enhanced Copyright Enforcement in South Africa The Fourth Industrial Revolution has significantly impacted copyright enforcement, particularly in South Africa, where technological advancements have bolstered and challenged existing frameworks. This dissertation explores the integration of blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance copyright enforcement mechanisms in the digital realm. Current enforcement methods face several challenges, including lengthy legal proceedings, slow legislative updates, circumvention techniques, accessibility concerns, non-compliance, and algorithmic bias. These issues necessitate innovative solutions to protect intellectual property rights effectively. With its decentralised and immutable nature, blockchain technology offers promising solutions for transparent and efficient copyright enforcement. Concurrently, AI technologies such as machine learning, deep learning, and adaptive algorithms can enhance the detection and prevention of copyright infringements, including brute force attacks, malware, phishing, and illegal streaming. This research delves into the potential of AI and blockchain for detecting infringing content, blockchain-based arbitration platforms for resolving disputes, and adaptive watermarking algorithms to trace the unauthorised use of digital content. The benefits of these technologies include increased efficiency, improved accuracy, transparency, and traceability. However, implementing these technologies poses challenges such as regulatory compliance, privacy concerns, ethical considerations, and associated costs. It recommends policy updates, ethical guidelines, and collaborative efforts to ensure blockchain and AI's responsible and effective use in copyright enforcement. By leveraging these technologies, South Africa can strengthen its copyright framework, fostering creativity and innovation while safeguarding intellectual property rights in the digital age.