How did iTunes and Amazon change the way copyrighted music and movies could be distributed online?

At the start of the 21st century, the music and motion-picture industries faced significant disruption from unauthorized file-sharing networks, such as Napster and The Pirate Bay, which utilized MP3 and P2P technology to distribute copyrighted works without authorization.123

In response to this widespread piracy, copyright owners began to accommodate commercial digital distribution by partnering with platforms like Apple Inc.’s iTunes Store and Amazon.com. These services fundamentally changed the landscape by:12

• Providing Legitimate Alternatives: They offered users a legal, user-friendly way to purchase and download music, television shows, and movies directly to their devices.42
• Implementing Digital Rights Management (DRM): Initially, these platforms often utilized DRM technology to prevent unauthorized sharing and enforce copyright protections, though Apple eventually moved away from restrictive DRM practices for music in 2009.42
• Standardizing Digital Access: By creating centralized, reliable storefronts, these companies helped transition the industry from physical media, like CDs, to digital formats, eventually paving the way for modern streaming and cloud-based services.425