Media Law and Copyright Implications of Automated Journalism By Lin Weeks* Download a pdf version of this article here. Introduction I. Introduction to the Technology A. Definitions and Terminology B. Database Journalism C. The Business of Automated Journalism II. Automated Journalism and the First Amendment A. A Three-Dimensional Problem: Theories of Protection, Manner of Restraint, Type of Output B. Media Law 1. Adjudicated Issues in Media Law: Implications of Brown for Automated Journalism 2. Open Questions in Media Law: Defamation a. How Should Actual Malice or Negligence Be Determined in Defamation Cases Arising from Animated Journalism Articles? b. How Will Section 230 Be Applied to the New Technology? C. Copyright 1. Adjudicated Issues in Copyright: Protection for Algorithms 2. Open Questions in Copyright: Forms, Fair Use, and Authorship a. What Protection Should Be Given to the Spreadsheet Used to Create Automated Journalism Stories? b. Who Will Courts Favor in an Authorship Dispute? Conclusion Continue reading →
