After reading the Copyright Office explanation for the changes Elliot Harmon‘s complains of in Copyright Office Sets Trap for Unwary Website Owners, I see the Copyright Office as opening up the 512 safe harbor to more people.
In his rush to criticize the Copyright Office for not taking EFF advice, Elliot forgets to mention:
…
Transitioning to the electronic system has allowed the Office to substantially reduce the fee to designate an agent with the Office, from $105 (plus an additional fee of $35 for each group of one to ten alternate names used by the service provider) to $6 (with no additional fee for alternate names).
…Copyright Office Announces Electronic System for Designating Agents under DMCA
Wow! Government fees going down?
Going from $105 (plus $35 for alternate names) to $6 and no additional fee for alternate names, opens up the 512 safe harbor to small owners/sites.
True enough, the new rule requires you to renew every three years but given the plethora of renewals we all face, what’s one more? Especially an important one.
The Copyright Office has prepared videos (with transcripts) to guide you to the new system.
A starting point for further reading: Copyright Office Reviews Section 512 Safe Harbor for Online User-Generated Content – The Differing Perceptions of Musicians and Other Copyright Holders and Online Service Providers on the Notice and Take-Down Process by David Oxenford. Just a starting point.
If you have or suspect you have copyright issues, consult an attorney. Law isn’t a safe place for self-exploration.
PS: I understand that EFF must write for its base, but closer attention to the facts of rules and changes would be appreciated.