The Internet by its very nature is free. Given the resourcefulness and technical know-how almost anyone can share and distribute information on the net. This very open nature of the online world is often characterized as the biggest threat to the Copyright laws. But what exactly are these laws? Where is the line between piracy and freedom of expression? Some of this and similar questions often boggle new web publishers and bloggers.

I have tried to list down the results of my research on the Copyright laws and piracy on the Internet.

• Copying Graphics: Graphics like images and animations on others' Web pages can not be copied without permission, unless, the website itself explicitly declares that the graphics are free to use. Some sites offer you graphics for a price, for ex., www.istockphoto.com is a nice place to buy high quality graphics at cheap price, if you need images for your website. You can also get free images at www.morguefile.com , though the images are not of such high quality, but for new non-serious designers these images can serve the purpose.
• Linking to other Websites: Linking to other websites is allowed unless specifically mentioned not to on the website. However, its always wise to ask for permission for the same. Sometimes, to link to other websites you may have to do some careful research like going through its fine-prints e.g. Terms of Use etc.
• Copying Content: Content from someone else's websites can not be reproduced without quoting the source. Some content writers, however, reserve the right for that as well. Copying list of resources, logos and even sequences from mark-up languages like HTML, vrml etc. is a breach of copyright laws.
• Copying or forwarding emails: Copy pasting someone else's electronic communication with you, forwarding them or quoting or editing them in such a way as to change its meaning are all violation of copyright laws.
• Difference between freeware and shareware: Freewares are free to use and download while sharewares are free to use for a limited period of time. Though, users do not have access to the source code of the softwares as in open source programs in both the cases, the main difference here is that the creators of shareware reserve intellectual rights to their creations. After a certain period of time, the users may have to pay to be able to use the software. It is always advisable to read all license and disclaimer remarks that accompany these softwares before using them.
• Automatic Copyright: People are often under the impression that if the copyright notice does not go with a particular content, it is free to use. This was the case earlier but most nations now follow the Berne Copyright Convention, which requires that the copyright to the creators of the work be automatic. Hence, otherwise stated, all literary or artistic works are copyrighted.
• Fair use: The fair use exemption under the US copyright laws allows users to quote the literary or artistic works of others for commentary, parody, educational references, new reporting and research without the prior permission of the author. This is mainly to ensure that the right to expression and free transmission of knowledge is not choked by the copyright laws. The intention and damages to a work's commercial value are often important criteria in deciding the fine line between fair use and piracy.