It makes illegal the knowing circumvention of technological protection measures or alteration of copyright managment information. Prohibits the manufacturing of technologies that will circumvent controls. However, nonprofit libraries, archives and educational institutions can circumvent controls to gain access to make a determination of whether to acquire the work. The DMCA also provides for Online Service Provider Limitation on Liability. At the request of the copyright owner the OSP must intercede with the allleged offender and remove any offending material.
Many complex conditions apply.
Colleges and universities that are OSPs for their staff and students can sign up for liability limitations but the requirements for reporting and takedown may put the school in an adversarial relationship with staff and students. There is no real track record of how this will work. The DMCA mandated a quick study by the Copyright Office on the need for any changes to copyright law as it effects distance learning. Unknown - the Copyright Office will make a report in April. The Act modifies library exemptions in the law allowing for more flexibility in preserving works and changing formats.