Deciding on Copyrights on the Internet with the Analytic Network Process

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe analytic network process is a powerful tool for examining difficult decisions under uncertainty. This paper explores the urgent decision connected with the copyrights on Internet. This theme is being widely discussed, but nobody knows, what to do. We have attempted to do a multi‐criteria analysis of the problem, taking into consideration benefits, costs and risks. As alternatives, we examined different measures for the regulation of Internet content, and as main actors—content creators, customers and providers. The resulting outcomes show that free use of Internet content is the best alternative. Measures related to punishment turn out to have negative prospects. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.