Digital Millennium Copyright Act

The Digital Millennium Copyright Act of 1998 (DMCA) is a federal law enacted by the United States Congress in 1998 that made major changes to the US Copyright Act.

Scope

Those who download or distribute music, movies, videos, or games without the permission of the copyright owner are in violation of the DMCA. 

Enforcement

The Federal Government and various organizations (such as the Recording Industry Association of America) are serious about enforcing the provisions of the DMCA legislation, and violations can carry stiff fines and potential jail sentences.