In the run-up to the Europe-wide rallies planned for Saturday, 23 March 2019 – which are being staged in protest against the problem-ridden reform of EU copyright law – eco – Association of the Internet Industry once more reiterates its criticism of the planned European rules.
Oliver Süme, the Chair of eco, condemns in particular the fact that the European legislator has ignored the criticisms of a broad alliance of academics and representatives of civil society, business, and the media, and has not given sufficient consideration to alternative proposals. Market consolidation and over-filtering of the Internet are what can now be expected.
“What the directive will bring about will be the exact opposite of what it is supposed to achieve: rather than the actual authors and creators, those benefiting will be the major platforms as well as the large collecting societies and press publishers. Upload filters and the ‘link tax’ by means of ancillary copyright will not only severely restrict contributions on Facebook, Youtube, and Twitter, but will also present considerable hurdles for any start-up on the Internet. Small companies will have to restrict their services or will be compelled to buy technologies in the future that only the big companies can really afford. There will be over-filtering, because in case of doubt, more than is necessary will be blocked to avoid liability. Providers and users will continue to be subject to liability risks and will often have to fight for releases. This has all little to do with a free, open, and democratic Internet,” says Süme.
eco therefore says: #yes2copyright, but #no2uploadfilter.
“It is disappointing that after more than two years of often intensive debate, the introduction of a European ancillary copyright law and the upload filter is still imminent. The amendment of European copyright law is a step backwards in terms of digital policy,” concludes Süme.
A broad alliance of Internet activists, civil rights activists, citizens both young and old, as well as political parties will gather at Paulsplatz in Frankfurt am Main on Saturday, 23 March at 2 p.m.
On 22 March 2019, a non-partisan press conference under the banner of “DEMO SAVE YOUR INTERNET” will take place at 9.30 a.m. at the premises of DE-CIX, Lindleystr 12, 60314 Frankfurt, led by Load e.V. Registrations are possible by email to uwe.probst@load-ev.de.
More than 80 demonstrations will simultaneously take place throughout Europe, for example in Berlin, Munich, and Brussels.
