The end of ownership: personal property in the digital economy (The Information Society Series)
Science and technology, Computers and internet
Human-narrated audio
Summary
Explores how notions of ownership have shifted in the digital marketplace, and makes an argument for the benefits of personal property. E-books, cloud storage, streaming, and other digital goods offer users convenience and flexibility. But consumers should be aware of… the trade-offs involving user constraints, permanence, and privacy. The rights of private property are clear, but few people manage to read their end user agreements. The authors argue that introducing aspects of private property and ownership into the digital marketplace would offer both legal and economic benefits. But more importantly, it would affirm our sense of self-direction and autonomy. If we own our purchases, we are free to make whatever lawful use of them we please. Technology need not constrain our freedom; it can also empower us. 2016.