This article has been written by Ms. Indrakshi Chaku, an upcoming law student

Introduction

Computers have brought a revolution in the media and entertainment industry. By providing endless opportunities for innovation, engagement and creativity, they have modernized the entertainment sector. Computers are used for various purposes, namely: in production of video games, film making and animation, production of music and conducting operational activities. Since computers have become such an integral part of the entertainment industry, it’s important to analyze the impact they have created and the new challenges that the entertainment industry is facing due to their use, from a legal perspective. As the use of digital tools continues to accelerate in the entertainment industry, a wide new array of issues keeps rising. Music is now stolen, movies the same, games can be hacked and broken into with simple programs. Combined with the advent of Artificial Intelligence, the industry faces significant advantages and disadvantages. This article elucidates the various ways in which computers are being used in the entertainment industry, the impact they have on the industry and the role that AI has to play in this.

Uses of computer 

• Production of video games: Video games have become one of the most popular forms of entertainment worldwide, and computers have played a vital role in their evolution. Computers allow game developers to create complex and immersive virtual worlds, characters, and storylines. With advanced graphics processing units (GPUs) and other hardware, game developers can create realistic environments and characters that engage players on a whole new level. Additionally, computers have made it easier for players to access games through online platforms, making it possible to play games with people all around the world. In India videogames are protected under copyright act 1957 as literary work or software program and the softwares are protected under both copyright act , 1957 and Patents Act 1970.  Additionally, the 1994 amendment in the act introduces the rights of software programmers as well.
• Production of music: Another significant use of computers in entertainment is in the production of music. Computers have made it possible for artists to create, record, and produce music without the need for expensive recording equipment. Additionally, computers have made it easier for artists to distribute their music online, giving them access to a global audience and helping to democratize the music industry. The Copyright act, 1957 protects the rights of the original creator over his/her music.
• Film and animation industry: Computers are also an essential tool in the film and animation industry. With the advent of computer-generated imagery (CGI), filmmakers can create special effects and animations that were once impossible. With powerful computers, filmmakers can create realistic environments, characters, and effects that would have been too costly or impractical to produce using traditional methods. Additionally, computers have made it easier for filmmakers to edit and post-produce their films, leading to more efficient workflows and better-quality productions. In India, the films are granted copyright protection under the copyright act, 1952. The same protection is extended to animations through the 1976 amendment in the act.
• Operational activities: computers are also an essential part of the entertainment industry’s business operations. From marketing to distribution, computers have enabled the industry to streamline its operations and reach audiences more effectively. With social media and other online platforms, companies can connect with audiences and promote their content more effectively than ever before. Additionally, computers have made it easier for companies to distribute their content online, providing audiences with more options and flexibility in how they consume entertainment.

Legal issues pertaining to the use of computers

Digital spaces transcend the geographical boundaries and are therefore prone to the following legal issues:

• misuse of right to freedom of speech and expression: Article 19 of the Indian constitution confers the right to freedom of speech and expression upon all its citizens. However, the section 2 of the same article talks about the reasonable restrictions which must be enforced upon such freedom to protect public interest. The element of anonymity that a computer user carries makes it very easy for him/her to misuse this freedom to spread information which is illegal and unethical. India has adopted the Information Technology Act 2000 to facilitate and safeguard electronic transactions and computer related data. This law is based on the Model Law on Electronic Commerce prepared by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) which was adopted by the UN General Assembly on 30th January 1997. The aims and objectives of the Act include enabling or facilitating the use of electronic commerce and providing equal treatments to users of paper-based documentation and to users of computer-based information. It is to promote efficient delivery of government services by means of reliable electronic records. 
• Violation of intellectual property laws: The computer programs enjoy protection as literary works under Indian Copyright act and software programs under Patents act respectively. However, as mentioned earlier, computers and digital spaces transcend geographical boundaries and at present there is no universal copyright law which would protect a creator’s work in foreign jurisdictions. Although each country has its own separate copyright laws which offer protection to the rights of foreign creators over their work, such protection is left entirely up to the mercy of a country’s laws and legislations and the international treaties signed by the country. For instance, the defining criteria for extending copyright protection to foreign literary works in the UK depends upon two factors: whether the country has any trade agreements or reciprocal arrangements with the country of citizenship or residency of the creator and/or if the country in question is a member to one of the treaties signed and ratified by the UK.

 Contemporary replacement for computers 

AI or artificial intelligence is the intelligence demonstrated by machines. Recent years have witnessed the mergence of AI in all spheres of business and the entertainment industry is no exception. Generally, AI works by recognizing patterns in the data which has been used to create the database. These repetitive patterns generate an algorithm which essentially helps AI to work and adapt to the changing environment. In the entertainment industry AI is used to conduct many tasks which were previously conducted by computers. In the production of video games AI-powered interactive experiences are usually employed in games via NPCs (non-player characters). With this technology, NPCs can think and act toward players’ behaviours. Even better, they can predict what gamers are going to do next by analysing their previous actions. In brief, AI comes into video games with the role of making the unrealistic gaming environment vivid. Together with virtual reality and augmented reality, AI can broaden the world of gaming with more creative and immersive experiences. In the music industry, AI manifests in the form of generating original compositions, synthesizing vocals, voice recognition technology etc. Additionally AI has also been used to produce films. In 2016 IBM Watson premiered the use of AI technology to produce the trailer for Fox’s Morgan, which was the first of its kind. With AI increasingly replacing the role of computers in the entertainment sector, plethora of legal inconsistencies and issues have come to the surface. These issues tend to be even more complex than the present ones.

Conclusion

computers have had a profound impact on the entertainment industry, providing new opportunities for creativity, innovation, and engagement. Whether it is in the creation of video games, music, film, or animation, computers have enabled artists and creators to push the boundaries of what is possible. Furthermore, computers have made it easier for the industry to reach audiences and streamline its operations, leading to more efficient workflows and better quality productions. As technology continues to evolve, it is likely that computers will continue to play a significant role in shaping the future of entertainment. 

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