EU Parliament votes to keep ‘status quo’ of Freedom of Panorama
Today the European Parliament has voted to maintain the current legal framework protecting the Freedom of Panorama, an issue jointly lobbied upon by the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) and the Public Relations Consultants Association (PRCA).
The Parliament voted with a broad majority to defeat the amendments made to a report on copyright by Pirate Party MEP, Julia Reda, which would have removed the Freedom of Panorama currently enjoyed in the UK.
The outcome of the vote protects the right to use pictures of public buildings and sculptures for commercial as well as non-commercial purposes.
The European Parliament has let common sense prevail on the Freedom of Panorama and protected what has been a long-established right. As a result, businesses in public relations can continue to use all forms of media in their campaigns, as well as deliver against objectives through utilising photo-sharing and social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Flickr, without fear of breaking the law.
I’d like to congratulate the Wikipedia community on mobilising the people and businesses of Europe in fighting to protect this important freedom, and I’m pleased to see that the CIPR, PRCA, and other trade associations and professional bodies, including RIBA, are able to work together to speak out with one decisive voice.
It is the CIPR’s view that the European Parliament, lawmakers in Westminster and rights' holders must deliver changes to copyright that are fit and proper for the digital age.
We will continue to work cross-industry with multiple agencies to ensure members’ views are best represented, delivering simplified practical processes that do not create unnecessary burden and restrict business growth.
Notes to editors
About the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR)Founded in 1948, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) is the Royal Chartered professional body for public relations practitioners in the UK and overseas. The CIPR is the largest membership organisation for PR practitioners outside of North America. By size of turnover and number of individually registered members, we are the leading representative body for the PR profession and industry in Europe.
The CIPR advances professionalism in public relations by making its members accountable to their employers and the public through a code of conduct and searchable public register, setting standards through training, qualifications, awards and the production of best practice and skills guidance, facilitating Continuing Professional Development (CPD), and awarding Chartered Public Relations Practitioner status (Chart.PR).