EU COPYRIGHT BILL MOVES FORWARD

The music community has secured another win in the Article 13 debate with MEPs today voting to push the European Copyright Directive through Parliament. If written into law in its current form, the rules mean platforms such as YouTube will be required to secure a license for content, automatically filter copyrighted material before publishing, and will be held liable for any infringement that happens on the service.

The bill appeared to hit a wall in July after being rejected by members of European Parliament in a crucial vote. Since then, MEPs have had more time to consider the proposals and more than 100 suggestions for amendments were put forward. Today it received 438 votes for, 226 against and 39 abstentions. There’s one more stage before a final text is written into law, which the European Union Council, Commission and Parliament will negotiate ahead of another vote in January.

Naturally, representatives from across the music business are thrilled with today's news. IFPI Chief Executive Frances Moore expressed hope the new rules will close the “value gap.” “IFPI joins others in the creative community in thanking the European Parliament for its work on this proposal in the most difficult of circumstances and congratulates Rapporteur Axel Voss MEP on an outstanding performance,” she said.

CISAC Director General Gadi Oron said: “Despite an onslaught of misinformation by big tech companies, Europe has led the way in bringing fairness to creators in the digital world. This was a vote cast in Europe, but which has positive implications for the future working environment of creators across the world.

“The proposed copyright directive is a big step forward in restoring the value of works to creators who make them. It also helps audiovisual authors, laying down principles that help screenwriters and directors achieve fair remuneration for their works.”

Geoff Taylor, Chief Executive BPI & BRIT Awards, said: "This vote is great news for music fans and for anyone who values exciting and original online entertainment. It's an important step towards creating a fairer Internet that encourages and rewards creativity.”

Paul Pacifico, CEO of The Association of Independent Music, added: “It is a great day for culture and music in Europe as the Copyright Directive is adopted by the European Parliament. I would like to thank the MEPs from all parties for their energetic and highly engaged approach to this very sensitive and important legislation that stands to benefit the next generation of music artists and creators online who generate the content we all enjoy.”