EU takes more lenient line over online copyright reform
‘We need to make sure that, in September, parliament votes for an update to copyright rules that protects creators’ interests while also safeguarding the rights of internet users’
Brussels — EU lawmakers have opted not to take a tough line on an EU copyright overhaul aimed at making Google, Facebook and other tech giants share revenues with publishers, broadcasters and artists after lobbying by internet companies. The revamp is based on a proposal by the European Commission to take into account the growing role of online platforms. A key committee at the European parliament subsequently added more muscle to the proposal to give more power to Europe’s creative industries. However, legislators on Thursday voted against opening talks with EU countries based on the committee’s recommendation, and parliament will now have to revise the proposal for a vote in September before starting talks with EU countries that have already adopted their own position. Legislator Julia Reda from the Greens party, who has spearheaded opposition to the committee’s tough approach, said it is time to go back to the drawing board. "These plans will now get the scrutiny and the public d...
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