Content Distribution In The Digital Age: Balancing Accessibility And Protection

1. Introduction

The digital revolution has transformed the global film and creative industry by changing the way films and audiovisual content are produced, distributed, and consumed. Streaming platforms, social media applications, and digital marketplaces now allow creators to distribute content instantly to audiences across the world.¹ A filmmaker in Nigeria can now reach international audiences through platforms such as Netflix, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video without relying solely on traditional cinema distribution channels. This digital accessibility has expanded opportunities for creators, increased audience engagement, and contributed significantly to the growth of industries such as Nollywood. However, while digital distribution has enhanced accessibility, it has also created major concerns relating to piracy, unauthorized streaming, illegal downloads, and online copyright infringement. The major challenge confronting the film and digital content industry today is how to