The rapid spread of computer networks is creating a flood of digitalized information in a broad range of fields, including publishing, music, broadcast, movies and plays. This is leading to the rampant piracy of writers' copyrights and musicians' performing rights. Legal action is urgently needed to stop it.

That puts the spotlight on the Copyright Law, which has been amended on an ad hoc basis almost every year ever since it took effect in 1971. But stopgap revision cannot keep pace with the rapid and broad changes occurring in the digital age. The existing copyright system, which is premised on analog technology, is out of sync with reality. It is time to craft a new system based on digital technology. For that, a new copyright law tailored to the needs of the digital age is needed.

Trend-setting Internet technologies, such as those for music delivery, digital photography and online bookselling, have one thing in common: the great convenience of copying. Copies as good as original products can be made easily -- and processed just as easily -- by personal computers. The downside is that it opens the door to widespread abuse.