London,
27
January
2020
|
10:40
Europe/London

CIPR welcomes government decision to not implement EU copyright law

The government's decision not to implement the EU Copyright Directive is a welcome one. 

The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) has been critical of the proposed legislation describing it as a "direct threat to the digital economy" and "a step backwards for internet freedom." Universities and Science Minister Chris Skidmore confirmed the decision.

Whilst EU member states have until June 7, 2021 to implement the reforms, the UK will have left the EU by then.

Concerns around the legislation centred on changes to how information is shared online which many fear would ultimately censor legitimate copyright-compliant content.

Alastair McCapra, CIPR Chief Executive
Users of copyrighted content have an obligation to the right-holders but these reforms are not the answer. They are disproportionate to the benefits they will derive, fail to solve the issues around copyright online whilst negatively impacting internet-based businesses and the way we all use the internet. We welcome the government's decision on this matter and would now urge them to publish details of how the UK intends to manage digital copyright whilst protecting against piracy.
Alastair McCapra, CIPR Chief Executive
 
Boilerplate

About the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR)

Founded in 1948, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) is the world's only Royal Chartered professional body for public relations practitioners in the UK and overseas with nearly 10,000 members.

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).