The European Parliament in Strasbourg approved the new copyright reform, signaling a potentially transformative shift in how content is managed online. While the final implementation is set for early, this directive will require all EU member states to adapt their websites accordingly.
Key Points of the Reform
- Compensation for Content Creators: Under the new rules, content creators, including authors, musicians, journalists, and publishers, will be entitled to fair compensation whenever their content is shared on news aggregation platforms such as social media and Google News. This is akin to a “link tax,” aimed at ensuring that creators are rewarded for the use of their work.
- Exemptions for Online Encyclopedias: Online encyclopedias will be exempt from this new regulation, allowing them to continue operating without the same restrictions.
Effects of the Reform
- Article 11: This controversial provision has sparked debate. Supporters argue that it will curb the power of news aggregators like Google News, which profit from displaying snippets of content without necessarily driving direct traffic to the original sources. Critics, however, view this as a threat to the open nature of the internet, fearing it may reduce the traffic and revenue potential for many websites that rely on these aggregators. In countries like Spain and Germany, similar regulations have led to conflicts between publishers and platforms like Google, sometimes resulting in the complete removal of certain services.
- Article 13: This article mandates that online platforms use upload filters to prevent the publication of copyrighted content without permission. This means that when users upload content, the platform must check for compliance and ensure that a valid license is in place. Failure to comply will result in the content being blocked.
What Are Your Thoughts?
Are you aware of the latest developments in the European copyright reform? How do you think these changes will affect content creation and online publishing? Share your views and stay informed about how these regulations might impact your digital activities.