The Political Orphanage Cory Doctorow on the Evils of Copyright Law
24 snips
Apr 2, 2025 
Cory Doctorow, a prominent journalist and activist specializing in digital rights, dives deep into the downsides of copyright law and its implications on innovation. He discusses the impact of non-compete clauses on the tech industry, granting insight into worker inequalities. The conversation also critiques the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, advocating for a more balanced approach to creator rights versus public access. Additionally, Doctorow unpacks the music streaming dilemma, highlighting how current royalty structures exploit artists.
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Silicon Valley's Origin
- Shockley Semiconductors, the first Silicon Valley company, failed due to its founder's eccentric behavior.
- However, California's lack of non-compete clauses allowed former employees to flourish, creating Fairchild and Intel.
Non-Competes and Low-Wage Workers
- Non-compete clauses disproportionately affect low-wage workers, limiting their earning potential.
- Many fast-food workers are subject to these clauses, hindering their ability to seek better wages.
Unintended Consequences of DMCA
- The Digital Millennium Copyright Act's anti-circumvention clause creates unintended consequences.
- It hinders activities like repairing tractors and medical equipment, benefiting monopolies.
