DCMA (Copyright)

The DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) is a United States federal law enacted in 1998 that criminalizes the production and dissemination of technology designed to circumvent digital rights management, and provides a framework for online platforms to handle copyright infringement claims through a notice-and-takedown system. For creators, the DMCA governs how platforms like YouTube, Twitch, and TikTok respond to copyright complaints, and defines the legal process for filing and contesting takedown notices. Understanding the DMCA is essential for any creator who uses third-party music, footage, or other copyrighted material.