European Copyright Directive: A missed opportunity but work for a positive solution for creators worldwide continues

Paris, July 5 2018 – The European Parliament today voted by a narrow majority against the draft EU Copyright Directive.  The directive would have addressed a major flaw in the digital market, helping millions of creators worldwide to earn a fair income when their works are used by some of the world’s largest digital platforms.

CISAC, the International Confederation of Societies of Authors and Composers, is disappointed at the European Parliament’s rejection of its lead JURI committee’s report on the draft legislation.  It will continue to work with other organisations in the creative sector and with governments, to find a positive solution to one of the biggest problems facing creators today: their inability to earn fair royalties from User-Uploaded platforms. 

CISAC President Jean-Michel Jarre said: “Today is a great disappointment for millions of creators who have campaigned for years for the right to fair treatment and fair payment from giant internet platforms. It is incredibly disappointing that, having been ferociously lobbied by opponents using false arguments, the European Parliament has stopped short of supporting the fair rights of creators. Our fight will go on, for the future of our culture and for a fair, modern well-regulated Internet.”

CISAC Director General Gadi Oron said: “Today’s vote is a missed opportunity to fix one of the biggest problems in today’s digital market. It leaves an unfair situation in which the value of creative works, instead of benefitting their creators, is being used to enrich global technology platforms. CISAC will continue to campaign worldwide for a fair digital market for our members.”