Internet Archive Settles Lawsuit Over Music Preservation Efforts

The Internet Archive has reached a settlement in a lawsuit involving music record labels that accused the organization of copyright infringement related to its “Great 78 Project.” Filed on Monday, this resolution marks the conclusion of a two-year legal battle surrounding the preservation of historic music recordings. While the specific terms of the settlement remain undisclosed, an order of dismissal for the case has been filed simultaneously.

The conflict began in 2023 when several record labels alleged that the Internet Archive’s initiative allowed for the unauthorized distribution of digital recordings of music from the early 20th century. The “Great 78 Project” aims to digitize and preserve 78 rpm shellac records, which were produced from approximately 1898 to the 1950s. These recordings include works from iconic artists such as Louis Armstrong and Frank Sinatra.

According to the labels, making these recordings publicly accessible for free constituted a form of copyright infringement, leading to financial losses. They described the situation as “wholesale theft of generations of music,” arguing that the Internet Archive acted as “nothing more than mass infringers.”

In a brief update on its blog, the Internet Archive confirmed the settlement, stating, “The parties have reached a confidential resolution of all claims and will have no further public comment on this matter.” The organization started the Great 78 Project in 2017, successfully digitizing around 400,000 records, preserving music that could otherwise be lost.

The legal battle touches on broader themes of copyright protection versus the preservation of cultural heritage. As discussions about digital rights continue to evolve, the outcome of this case may influence future initiatives aimed at safeguarding historical content.

At present, users can still access the digitized recordings from the Great 78 Project on the Internet Archive’s platform. It remains uncertain whether any changes will be made to the project as a result of the settlement, but for now, the initiative stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to preserve music history.

This latest settlement is a reminder of the complex relationship between technology, culture, and copyright law, and it highlights the challenges faced by organizations dedicated to preserving the past in a rapidly changing digital landscape.