Digital Transformations and the Moral Right of the Author

The aim of this chapter is to analyze the digitization and digital modifications and adaptations of works in the light of the moral right to respect for the integrity of the work. Digital interventions on works could generally be divided into three categories in accordance with the type and degree of intervention on the work. First of all, in interventions that constitute the transformation of the work into digital form (digitization). In this case, an essential issue in terms of respect for the integrity of the work is the loss of quality. Secondly, in digital transformations where there is not only a change to digital form, but where the conditions of access to the work also substantially change. At this level, a fundamental element in protecting the integrity of the work is the perception of the work by the public. Finally, a third category could include digital adaptations that lead to the creation of a derivative work. The chapter analyses these three types of interventions and transformations in order to demonstrate the particularities and specific challenges of each intervention as a possible way of violating the moral right to respect the integrity of the work.