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submitted 3 days ago by niko@sh.itjust.works to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

I don't mean to distribute, but to scan for myself to read digitally, am I allowed to do that legally and ethically when I buy a physical book or would that be totally unethical and illegal?

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[-] otacon239@lemmy.world 26 points 3 days ago

I did my searching based on music/CDs since the wording is a lot more clear, but the same rules apply since were still talking about copyright infringement.

As long you’re making the copy for personal use and aren’t selling/distributing, you are fully in the clear:

  • It’s okay to copy music onto special Audio CD-R’s, mini-discs, and digital tapes (because royalties have been paid on them) – but not for commercial purposes.

https://www.riaa.com/resources-learning/about-piracy/

[-] niko@sh.itjust.works 6 points 3 days ago

Oh, thanks! I have some books that is occupying too many spaces and I was wondering about it, I don't know what I'd do to the physical book afterwards though, would I still be in the clear if I donated the physical book to a public library or would be better if I somehow recycle it since it's mostly paper?

[-] CaptainBasculin@lemmy.ml 7 points 3 days ago

Recycling is definetly in the clear, however donating to libraries would be more meaningful; as it offers a chance for more people to read them.

[-] niko@sh.itjust.works 2 points 3 days ago

Would it be legal also if I had scanned it for myself only beforehand to access digitally? I also think it'd be more meaningful but the local library here gives you a form to fill if you want to donate anything so that gets me in doubt

[-] CaptainBasculin@lemmy.ml 7 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago)

Legal? Likely not, as you're turning one copy into two copies.

Would anyone pursue you? Likely not. No one is going to get a warrant to search your devices to see if you've photocopied your books before giving them away; unless you're sharing the digital files publically.

Do not share the digital files publically, as that is definetly not legal.

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this post was submitted on 14 Nov 2024
37 points (95.1% liked)

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