Copyright Directive: European Parliament adopts a "revised negotiating postition on copyright rules"

The European Parliament has "adopted its revised negotiating position on copyright rules on Wednesday, adding safeguards to protect small firms and freedom of expression," announced the European Parliament who's "position for talks with member states to hammer out a final deal was approved by 438 votes to 226, with 39 abstentions," on 12/09/2018.

The amendments presented by rapporteur Axel Voss (Member of the European Parliament, GER), relating in particular to the accountability of platforms for content hosting, were adopted. "I am very glad that despite the very strong lobbying campaign by the internet giants, there is now a majority in the full house backing the need to protect the principle of fair pay for European creatives. There has been much heated debate around this directive and I believe that Parliament has listened carefully to the concerns raised. Thus, we have addressed concerns raised about innovation by excluding small and micro platforms or aggregators from the scope. I am convinced that once the dust has settled, the internet will be as free as it is today…