论网络服务提供者在版权法上的地位

网络服务提供者在版权法上的地位是由其在网络上所发挥的功能决定的。当网络服务提供者作为信息内容的提供者直接参与信息交流时,即其在充当网络内容提供者的角色时,其实际在版权法中居于信息"发布者"的地位;当网络服务提供者为用户提供电子邮件账号而充当网络接入服务提供者时,其仅起到一个"传输管道"的作用;当网络服务提供者作为主机服务提供者的法律地位是介于发布者和传播者之间的一种新型信息主体。

The Status of Internet Service Providers in Copyright Law

The status of internet service providers in copyright law depends on the functions of their internet service providers in the internet.We know that there are two main functions of internet service providers: provider of information and platform of communication.As the provider of information,the operators of internet service providers take part in internet information communication as ICP(internet content provider).The operator of internet service providers is just a publisher as in copyright law.As the platform of communication,the internet mediate provider is comprised of IAP(internet access provider)and host computer provider.When the operators of internet service providers function as host computer provider,they are new type information providers more than publisher and distributor.