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This article was published on September 12, 2018

EU Parliament just voted on controversial Copyright Reform — the outlook is grim

The European Parliament just vote 'yes' on the most controversial parts of the new Copyright Reform -- opponents fear for the free internet.


EU Parliament just voted on controversial Copyright Reform — the outlook is grim

The EU Parliament just passed versions of the most contested articles of the new Copyright Reform proposal: Article 11 on ‘link tax’ and Article 13 which will enable censorship machines.

Axel Voss (CDU, EPP), the rapporteur of the controversial proposal and its biggest supporter, clapped his hands and celebrated once the final votes were in on the new Copyright Reform today at the European Parliament.

“Heartfelt thanks to everyone for the job we’ve done together. This is a great sign for the creative industries in Europe,” said Voss after the vote.

An opposing member of European Parliament (MEP) stood up after the vote to declare that this was a catastrophic day for the internet, but was cut off as he didn’t have the floor.

Julia Reda (Pirate Party, Greens-EFA), MEP and one of the proposal’s biggest opponents, took to Twitter to voice her disappointment that the vote passed. She’s been staunchly against the controversial parts of the Copyright Reform (just like Wyclef Jean) — and she’s pointed out the implications they would have on memes, sports, and freedom of speech.

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The fight between the opposing sides, between Voss’ and Reda’s camp, has been long and arduous. Earlier this year, TNW spoke to lovers and haters of the proposal, which should provide context for readers on where the two sides differ — but it seems the supporters have won for the time being.

For those without the time to read this, Article 11 (a.k.a. link tax) will force anyone using snippets of journalistic online content to get a license from the publisher first — essentially outlawing current business models of most aggregators and news apps. This can also possibly threaten the hyperlink and give power to publishers at the cost of public good.

On the other hand, Article 13 (a.k.a. censorship machines) will make platforms responsible for monitoring user behavior to stop copyright infringements, but basically means only huge platforms will have the resources to let users comment or share content; there’s a worry that this could lead to broader censorship, with free speech vehicles — like parody, satire, or even protest videos — potentially untenable under this system.

Before the vote, Reda told TNW if the contested article would pass there was still a possibility they wouldn’t become law. The vote cements the Parliament’s stance before the final leg of the legislation process, the negotiations between Parliament and the national governments in the European Council. There, the EU governing bodies will try to agree on a common position on the Copyright Reform.

This does allow for some hope that the contested articles will be changed in the final legislation, but it’s unlikely. The Council has already announced it’s support for upload filters (the part of Article 13 that could lead to censorship machines) and link tax (Article 11).

However, keep in mind it’s unlikely, not impossible. There’s still hope.

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