As a member of the World Trade Organization, Australian copyright law is based on the Berne Convention, although a 2005 treaty with the US has changed it slightly: works are automatically protected for the life of the creator plus 70 years.
The related law is the Copyright Act 1968, as amended.
Modern copyright dates from the Statute of Anne, 1709.
In the US, current copyright legislation is found in Circular 92 (link below).
In general, content creators and owners support copyright legislation, as it almost always benefits them. A current supporter of copyright in the US is Utah Senator Orrin Hatch, who as a songwriter, is a member of ASCAP.
IP Australia.
The legislation of whatever jurisdiction you happen to be in.
Copyright regulations ACT 1969 (Commonwealth of Australia)
Parliament amends and expands copyright law as needed, within the bounds of the Berne Convention.
Yes, Voltaire supported copyright legislation. He believed that the protection of intellectual property rights would encourage creativity and innovation by ensuring that authors and creators could benefit financially from their work.
You will find all 13 chapters of current US copyright law, as well as significant appendices at the link below.
Copyright law applies virtually equally to both "hard copy" and digital works.
The exact law varies from country to country. In the US, for example, it is US Code Title 17, the Copyright Act.
Copyright legislation is typically supported by a coalition of stakeholders, including artists, authors, musicians, and the entertainment industry, who benefit from the protection of their creative works. Additionally, advocacy groups and organizations, such as the Copyright Alliance and the Motion Picture Association, play a crucial role in promoting copyright laws. Technology companies and platforms also engage in these discussions, balancing the rights of creators with the need for access and innovation. Ultimately, the support for copyright legislation often reflects the interests of both creators and consumers in the digital age.