Comment by bawolff

> I still don't get how copying copyrighted content to your own website and then asking for donations can be a legal business model

Because copyright isn't black and white like that. Its a lot more complicated. Its likely a lot of what internet archive is doing is fair use (not all though, they do push the envelope, e.g. their covid library stunt).

As for morally, while that is going to depend on what moral system you subscribe to. Copyright is a relatively recent invention. The bible might say thou shall not steal, but it's likely in context that the bible was fine with copyright infringement. It probably not even something that would have been thought about in a bronze age context.

As far as utilitarianism goes, at first glance seems like Internet archive increases happiness more than it decreases it, so that is a check.

I dont see any reason to think the internet archive violates the Categorical imperative either.

so i guess the question is, under which basis do you believe it to be immoral.