Kopimism
| Kopimism | |
|---|---|
| Family | Modern / Internet religion |
| Origin region | Sweden |
| Founding period | 21st century CE |
| Estimated adherents | Unknown; reported as a small internet-based religious movement. |
Kopimism is a modern internet religion that treats copying, sharing information, and the circulation of knowledge as sacred values.
Overview
Kopimism, also called the Missionary Church of Kopimism, emerged in Sweden in the early 21st century. It frames copying and information sharing in religious language, making it one of the clearest internet-era examples of a movement built around digital culture. Its beliefs are often discussed in relation to copyright, open knowledge, file sharing, information ethics, and online community.
Key beliefs
- The copying and sharing of information are sacred or highly valued
- Knowledge should circulate freely
- Digital copying can be treated as a positive act rather than theft in the movement's symbolic framework
- Information networks create community and meaning
- Critics distinguish religious claims from legal questions about copyright
Practices
- Copying and sharing information
- Use of Kopimist symbols
- Online congregation and discussion
- Ritualized affirmation of information sharing
- Advocacy for open knowledge in some circles
Places of worship
- Online communities
- Digital repositories
- Private or group gatherings
- No universal temple structure
Sacred texts
- Kopimist constitution or statements
- Internet freedom writings
- Open knowledge manifestos
- Community documents
Holidays and observances
- No universal calendar
- Information freedom events
- Community-defined observances
- Anniversaries of recognition or founding
Branches and related traditions
- Dataism - A related worldview centered on information and data.
- Algorithmic Spirituality - A related digital meaning-making category.
- New Religious Movements - A broad category for modern religious innovation.