What Is the DMCA?

What does DMCA mean?

DMCA stands for Digital Millennium Copyright Act. A copyright is the right of a creator to control their work, such as a photo, song, video, text or software. The US passed this law in 1998 to deal with copyright online.

Why should a website owner care?

If you post something you do not own, the owner can complain. Your visitors might also upload things to your site. Either way, a complaint can lead to content being taken down.

Key ideas

• Takedown notice: a message from a copyright owner that says "this content on your site is mine, please remove it".
• Safe harbor: a rule that protects web hosts and similar services from blame for what users post, if they act fast on valid notices.
• Counter-notice: a reply from the person whose content was removed. They say the removal was a mistake or that they have the right to use the content.
• Repeat infringers: people who break copyright again and again may lose their accounts.

How it usually works

1. A copyright owner finds their work on a site without permission.
2. They send a takedown notice to the host or site owner.
3. The host checks the notice and may remove or disable the content.
4. The site owner is told. They may send a counter-notice.
5. If the owner of the work does not take the matter to court within the time set by law, the content may be restored.

Each host has its own process and time limits. Ask Hostvento support or read the terms of your service for how Hostvento handles such notices.

How to protect yourself

• Use only text, pictures, music and video you own or have permission to use.
• Keep proof of licences for stock images.
• If your site lets users upload files, add clear rules and a way to report problems.
• Reply quickly to any notice you get.

If you get a notice

1. Do not panic.
2. Read it and find what content it names.
3. Check whether you really have the right to use it.
4. Remove it if you do not.
5. Contact the host through the support ticket system if you need help.

Quick recap

• DMCA is a US copyright law from 1998.
• Owners send takedown notices; you can send a counter-notice.
• Safe harbor protects hosts that act on valid notices.
• Use only content you have rights to.