Content distribution and copyright authentication based on combined indexing and watermarking
This paper explored the topic of copyright issues on digital content. The paper is from 2012, but even then, it recognized the widespread distribution of multimedia content across the internet. The authors propose a content distribution and copyright authentication system based on media index and watermarking techniques, as a method of digital content protection (Lian et al., 2012). Methods such as invisible watermarking, can embed ownership information into digital content, as a method of tracing and authentication, when it is used for the purpose of illegal redistribution. Another method of detection, called digital fingerprinting, can be used to embed customer information into the multimedia content, when used illegally (Lian et al.,2012). This method produces a unique version of the digital asset, which can be used to trace the origins of the illegal redistributor. This paper examines numerous methods to embed watermarks, copyright authentication, and digital fingerprinting into digital media, in order to protect against illegal usage of digital property.
I found this article to be fascinating, and it felt like it was just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak. I am certain that technology has surpassed the research conducted in this paper from 2012, but it certainly opened my eyes to the need for copyright protection of digital assets. I have considered this in terms of photography and graphic design, but I had not considered the need of protection over instructional design content yet. The authors of this paper conducted research into the performance of watermarking algorithms for authentication. The experiments examined rotation, scaling, ratio, sharing, cropping, sharpening, filtering, translation, and several other aspects in connection to the original content, using different watermarking schemes for detection. I plan to look further into current methods of authentication and protection, in order to find out today’s best methods of copyright protection over web content.
Reference:
Lian, S., Chen, X., & Wang, J. (2012). Content distribution and copyright authentication based on combined indexing and watermarking. Multimedia Tools and Applications, 57(1), 49-66. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11042-010-0521-3 (Links to an external site.)
Article 2:
Web accessibility and technology protection measures: Harmonizing the rights of persons with cognitive disabilities and copyright protections on the web
This journal article examines the barriers created and issues faced by individuals with certain cognitive disabilities, in relation to international law and policy that promotes the use of technological protection measures (TPM) as a means of protecting copyrighted digital content on the web. In 2008, the United Nations convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) established the obligation for full and equal access to the web for persons with disabilities (Giannoumi et al., (2017). However, using TPM may create barriers that restrict full and equal accessibility to web content for persons with cognitive disabilities, due to the on-screen changes required for their individual needs. By studying quantitative and qualitative data and analyses surrounding policy and social regulations the authors explore the multidimensional relationship and applies it to the experiences of those with cognitive disabilities (Giannoumi et al., (2017). Research has indicated that copyright law and policy favors content creators, who establish the authority to use their work and how it can be used, and TPM limits the ability to convert digital media to accessible formats. Conflict has arisen as intersections between regulatory committees focused on the use of TPM and web accessibility for those with disabilities, where rights and obligations stand in the way of one another.
I found that this article offered a very important perspective, and one that I hadn’t considered previously. I have a fair amount of understanding about copyright law in digital content, but the conflicting views outlined in this study shined a light on two important and opposing facets of policy and law. The authors of digital content must have protection over their products, but when that protection becomes a violation of someone’s rights and accessibility, then we must find ways to remove these barriers. We must consider technology that incorporates assistive technologies in the design, to allow access for all, without altering the original content. The author goes on to suggest that persons with disabilities should be involved in the design and implementation of laws promoting TPM, so that we ensure accessibility for all.
Reference:
Giannoumi, G. A., Land, M., Beyene, W. M., & Blanck, P. (2017). Web accessibility and technology protection measures: Harmonizing the rights of persons with cognitive disabilities and copyright protections on the web. Cyberpsychology: Journal of Psychosocial Research on Cyberspace, 11(1), Article 5. https://doi.org/10.5817/CP2017-1-5
My Journey Through Instructional Design 