Celebrations as EU parliament votes to adopt controversial copyright reform

The global music industry is in celebratory mode after the European Parliament voted to adopt controversial online copyright reform.

For the entertainment industry, the biggest change is that digital platforms now would have to take responsibility for the legality of uploaded content.

The changes could spell the end of the online “value gap” for artists.

The parliament voted with 438 in favour, 226 against and 39 abstentions for the amendments.

First proposed in 2016, the Copyright Directive had two segments that generated heated debate.

Article 11, known as the “link tax”, would require online platforms as Google and Facebook to pay media companies to link to their content.

Article 13 forced them to check all content uploaded on to their platforms and delete any which infringed copyright.

This would make them legally liable for illegal content.

Those arguing against the reform were internet giants as Google and Facebook, digital rights groups, university academics and even some human rights activists and artists as Wyclef Jean.

The crux of their arguments was that the creativity that goes into public use, and input into the internet would also be affected,

The advent of memes, for instance, could be at an end.

But those on the other side – mostly record labels, publishers and media groups – insisted that the process was about reclaiming the value of their work after the digital giants made massive profits due to antiquated laws.

The European Parliament, the European Commission and the European Council will now begin discussions to agree on a directive.

Indies association IMPALA’s CEO Helen Smith acclaimed the vote, calling it “a great day for Europe’s creators.

“The Parliament has sent a clear message that copyright needs to be modernised to clarify obligations of platforms with regard to the creative works they distribute.

“This means that we can finally enter the last phase of negotiations to secure a fair and sustainable internet.”

The British Phonographic Industry’s chief, Geoff Taylor, called it “great news for music fans and for anyone who values exciting and original online entertainment.”

He said it would be “an important step towards creating a fairer internet that encourages and rewards creativity… and now opens the way for a Copyright Directive that can close the value gap and boost investment into new British music and other new content.”

While the digital giants fought hard and claimed the internet economy faced collapse if the copyright rules changed, they’ve now opened the door for a future where “collaboration” was the answer, rather than “legislation”.

A spokesperson for Google, which owns YouTube, told Music Week after the vote: “People want access to quality news and creative content online.

“We’ve always said that more innovation and collaboration are the best way to achieve a sustainable future for the European news and creative sectors, and we’re committed to continued close partnership with these industries.”