Question

How did early copyrights evolve from business monopolies into instruments of censorship and surveillance?

a) Authors and publishers sought control over their works
b) Governments utilized copyrights for political control
c) Publishers formed alliances to dominate the market
d) None of the above

Answer 1

Early copyrights evolved from business monopolies into instruments of censorship and surveillance due to authors and publishers seeking control, governments utilizing copyrights for political control, and publishers forming alliances to dominate the market.

Step-by-step explanation:

The evolution of early copyrights from business monopolies into instruments of censorship and surveillance can be attributed to a combination of factors:

1. Authors and publishers sought control over their works to protect their financial interests and ensure their creative works were not exploited without their permission.
2. Governments utilized copyrights for political control by censoring and regulating certain content that they deemed inappropriate or subversive.
3. Publishers formed alliances to dominate the market, which led to consolidation of power and the ability to control what was published and distributed.

These shifts in copyright's purpose and function demonstrate how the economic, political, and social contexts in which copyrights operate can shape their evolution.