About: copyright reform
Benifei: Embed blockchain in copyright reform
Blockchain technology can provide a win-win-win between the fight against censorship, verified traceability of digital artworks, and a fair remuneration for its creators. The copyright reform debate is a good opportunity to embed blockchain and create a better regulatory framework, argues Brando Benifei.
New lead MEP could shift talks on contentious copyright bill
More rifts have opened up in the European Parliament's negotiations over a contentious copyright law overhaul after a new MEP stepped in to lead on talks.
Gabriel confirmed as new EU digital chief
Mariya Gabriel was confirmed Tuesday (4 July) as the next EU digital Commissioner and will become the youngest person ever to take on a top Commission post.
Gabriel breezes through cozy hearing on way to top EU digital job
Mariya Gabriel, the 38-year-old Bulgarian MEP tipped to become the new EU digital chief, told MEPs during her approval hearing that she wants to “comply” with the European Commission's policy priorities.
Tech industry relieved there will be new digital Commissioner after lengthy gap
The tech industry is relieved that Bulgaria's nominee for Commissioner will oversee digital policies, filling a gap left open for four months after Günther Oettinger transferred to the budget post.
MEPs squabble over online platforms in copyright amendments
A list of hundreds of MEPs' amendments to the European Commission's copyright law overhaul includes squabbles over online platforms and text and data mining.
MEPs want to lift online geoblocking for Spotify and ebooks
MEPs in the Internal Market Committee approved geoblocking rules that could open up access to music streaming sites and ebook sales across the EU, going beyond the European Commission's proposal and setting up a fight with industry groups.
EU copyright directive means trouble for our startups
Startups in Europe can only be successful if they have solid rules in the online space. But in an attempt to limit the power of tech giants, the European Union risks hampering the next generation of European startups too, writes Lenard Koschwitz.
Europe needs more successful data mining startups
The European Commission’s proposed reform on copyright is preventing young companies from using text and data mining technology with full legal certainty, warns Michal Sadowski and Michał Brzezicki.
European media ‘deeply regrets’ EU plans to ditch search engine payouts
European media groups voiced concern Tuesday (14 March) that the European Union could ditch plans to force search engines like Google to pay them when their content is used.
Fillon’s former deputy backs controversial copyright reform
The European Parliament’s Committee on Culture, usually a staunch defender of authors’ rights, has proposed a series of new exceptions to the copyright reforms under development at EU level. Rapporteur Marc Joulaud is a former deputy of François Fillon and employer of his wife Penelope. EURACTIV France reports.
Copyright waiver for visually impaired persons greenlit by EU court
A copyright waiver that is intended to facilitate visually-impaired access to literature has been given the go-ahead by the European Court of Justice (ECJ), after eight member states filed a dispute.
EU agrees landmark deal on cross-border portability for online subscriptions
European Union institutions moved a step closer yesterday (7 February) to letting consumers access their online subscriptions for services like Netflix or Sky when they travel across the bloc.
Commission stalling on copyright waiver for visually impaired persons
The European Commission has asked the Court of Justice (ECJ) for legal advice about an international treaty it signed in 2014 that helps provide access to literature for visually impaired people through copyright exemptions. But it is yet to ratify the agreement.
Reda: ‘EU copyright reform would benefit fake news sites’
Günther Oettinger is leading the EU’s copyright reform efforts. In an interview with EURACTIV Germany, MEP Julia Reda warned this would threaten the freedom of online news publications and benefit false news outlets at the expense of journalists and small publishers.
Commission pushes controversial ‘Google tax’ to save news publishers
EU plans to charge internet companies for linking to online news were presented today (14 September) after a heated, two-year-long fight over whether the “Google tax” will help publishers stay profitable—or simply be overzealous regulation that could "break the internet".
The EU just told data mining startups to take their business elsewhere
Startups will be hurt by a restriction on text and data mining in the European Commission’s proposal to change EU copyright law, writes Lenard Koschwitz.
Leaked bill forces broadcasters to put TV online across EU
Broadcasters may be forced to show content across the EU, not just in the country where they're based, under draft legislation put forward in the face of strident opposition from major companies across Europe.
Media, sports companies rattled by planned EU copyright shake-up
The media and sports industries are preparing to lock horns with the European Commission over its plans to shake up copyright law to make more films, sports and TV shows available online throughout the 28-nation bloc.
Commission asked to crack down on YouTube, Spotify, Netflix in copyright bill
Two groups representing the film and music industry wrote to Jean-Claude Juncker on Monday (11 July) asking the European Commission to crack down on internet companies they say are exploiting artists.
EU plans to free up online shopping, set Netflix quotas
The EU is set to unveil proposals Wednesday (25 May) to make firms lift international barriers for Internet shoppers, and to force Netflix and Amazon to accept quotas for European movies and TV shows.
Consumers back Commission on protecting digital subscriptions abroad
Consumer organisations are fighting with specific member states, including France, Italy, Spain and Greece, to limit access to subscriber content, such as films and music, when travelling abroad.
Making a bad idea worse: Commission disguises ‘Google tax’ for publishers
The European Commission launched yet another consultation on copyright last month, and this one could result in a 'Google tax' for news. Europe needs to avoid that, writes Diana Cocoru.