Moral Rights and the Digital Transformation of Creative Industries: Attribution, Integrity and Online Dissemination

Abstract

artistic and literary works are created, modified, distributed, and consumed. While economic copyright rights have received substantial attention in the context of online exploitation, moral rights remain comparatively underexamined despite their importance to creators seeking recognition and protection against distortion of their works. This article examines the application of moral rights in digital environments, focusing particularly on the rights of attribution and integrity. The analysis considers how online platforms, social media networks, digital publishing services, and user-generated content systems affect the ability of creators to maintain control over the identification and presentation of their works. Particular attention is given to unauthorized modification, contextual alteration, removal of attribution information, and the use of creative works in technologically mediated environments. The article further examines the differences between jurisdictions that recognize strong and largely inalienable moral rights and those that permit broader contractual limitations or waivers. Digital dissemination creates additional difficulties because modifications may occur rapidly and copies may remain accessible even after corrective action has been undertaken. The article argues that traditional concepts of integrity and attribution remain relevant but require contextual interpretation in environments characterized by continuous reproduction, transformation, and user participation. The article also considers the relationship between moral rights and legitimate activities such as criticism, parody, quotation, remixing, and transformative creation. Comparative analysis indicates that an appropriate balance must be maintained between protecting the personal interests of creators and preserving lawful cultural and expressive activities. The article proposes a framework based upon the nature of the modification, the creator's relationship with the work, the context of dissemination, and the potential harm to the creator's reputation. It concludes that moral rights should remain an important component of copyright protection in the digital era.