SAG-AFTRA Applauds the Release of the Digital Copyright Act

SAG-AFTRA thanks Chairman Tillis for spearheading a yearlong review to update the now over 20-year-old Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). On Tuesday, Tillis introduced the discussion draft of the Digital Copyright Act (DCA) of 2021. The DMCA came out in 1998 and was supposed to balance copyright interests with technology interests, but it has failed to keep pace with changes in technology.

Tillis' review clarified what we have long known, there are far too many deficiencies and inequities, and the DMCA is ripe for improvement. We look forward to reviewing the proposed draft and working with all stakeholders to get this invaluable legal framework right for the 21st century. 

SAG-AFTRA President Gabrielle Carteris said, “Strong copyright protections are critical to our members and their ability to reap the benefits of their performances. We rely on copyright owners’ fully exploiting their work to ensure our collectively bargained residuals payments, and corresponding health and pension plan contributions, remain intact. The world of entertainment has evolved dramatically in the digital era. Our copyright laws must evolve to keep pace, and they must be crafted to allow the creative community to thrive alongside the technology community. At present, they thrive at our expense. We thank Chairman Tillis for putting together this forward looking draft.”

About SAG-AFTRA

SAG-AFTRA represents approximately 160,000 actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists and other entertainment and media professionals. SAG-AFTRA members are the faces and voices that entertain and inform America and the world. A proud affiliate of the AFL-CIO, SAG-AFTRA has national offices in Los Angeles and New York and local offices nationwide representing members working together to secure the strongest protections for entertainment and media artists into the 21st century and beyond. Visit SAG-AFTRA online at SAGAFTRA.org.