Hacker News Reader

Why do copyright holders get due process but not accused infringers?

The ultimate answer is because copyright holders have money and spent a fare bit of it on lobbyists.

Copyright holders are organized, e.g. MPAA/RIAA, and motivated (money moves ya). Content consumers are disorganized and little motivated.

Because they are not being prosecuted for a crime, and are not being subject to legal penalties. They are not facing jail time or a legal judgement. The platform just takes them down.

I’m not saying this is right, just that this is the reason.

False. A takedown can be very costly in terms of lost income for the victim of the false takedown. It is a legally prescribed process.

Imagine if you could DMCA-strike a toilet - your toilet is pirated and is being dismantled immediately.

Must. Not. Make. Joke. About. Situation.

I didn't say it wouldn't be costly - I'm sure in many cases it is. But it is not a legal process - the platform just removes your content. Just because a law requires platforms to do something, does not mean this is a legal process or proceeding.

Just like if a law requires business to enforce mask-wearing, and then I get kicked out for not wearing a mask, that was not a legal proceeding. They just kicked me out.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com