A group of EU (European Union) countries have issued a strong joint-statement opposing the current version of the EU’s Copyright Directive.
The joint statement from the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Poland, Italy, and Finland states that while these countries support the objectives of the EU Copyright Directive, they believe that the final text of the Directive:
- Fails to deliver adequately on its objectives
- Represents a step back for the European Digital Single Market
- Does not strike the right balance between the protection of rights holders and the interests of EU citizens and companies
- Will hinder innovation and have a negative impact on competitiveness in the European Digital Single Market
- Lacks legal clarity and will cause legal uncertainty for many stakeholders
This follows the text of the EU Copyright Directive being finalized last week, despite constant criticism and reports suggesting that the lawmakers behind the Directive fundamentally misunderstand how it would impact the internet.
If passed in its current form, the EU Copyright Directive would lead to the introduction of Article 11 (the link tax) and Article 13 (the meme ban). Article 11 would require all online platforms to obtain a license before sharing links with more than a few words from the original text and Article 13 would place unworkable restrictions on copyrighted materials.
This joint statement places even more pressure on MEPs (Members of the European Parliament) to do the right thing and vote against Articles 11 and 13 of the EU Copyright Directive.
You can find out more about the EU Copyright Directive and how to encourage your MEP to vote against it here.
