[Adraghast]

Considering the open internet existed before DMCA did, I suspect “essential” is an exaggeration.

[RockRobotRock]

Internet wasn't that fast, consumers weren't informed, legislators weren't informed.

[Adraghast]

The criteria was existence. It existed.

Could the internet exist in a way that makes the RIAA/MPAA/etc happy without DMCA? Maybe not. But there’s no reason to assume their happiness is a requirement, or even desirable.

[cld8483]

The internet was more than fast enough for copyright infringement. Copywritten books, images, and even music were commonly shared online before the DMCA was passed.