EU approves copyright law in blow to big tech
European Union lawmakers agreed on Wednesday on a common position on copyright reforms ahead of talks with the 28 EU countries on legislation to force Google, Facebook and other tech giants to share revenues more fairly with Europe's creative industries.
Of the lawmakers at the assembly, 438 voted in favor while 226 were against, with 39 abstentions. The next step is negotiations with the European Commission and the 28 EU countries to reconcile their different positions before updating the existing copyright laws.
A majority of the lawmakers had in July rejected the tough approach proposed by a key committee tasked by the Parliament to look into the issue.
British artist Sir Paul McCartney had sent them an open letter urging support for the mandate and Article 13, calling for "an Internet that is fair and sustainable for all."
The Commission kicked off the debate on copyright reforms two years ago in an attempt to ensure that online platforms pay publishers, broadcasters and artists a fair share of revenue and bear liability for online infringement.
Lawmakers subsequently beefed up the EU executive's proposal in favor of Europe's creative industries, prompting a backlash from the tech industry.
The other is mandatory upload filtering, which would require online platforms such as YouTube, GitHub, and Instagram to install filters to prevent users from uploading copyrighted materials or seek licenses to display content.
Wyclef Jean, a musician, said on Tuesday he did not support this initiative at a news briefing ahead of the vote. Drawing from personal experience, he said platforms like YouTube offer creators a place to build their brands.
(Source: Reuters)
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