EU copyright vote 'a step backwards' for internet freedom - CIPR
The CIPR has expressed concerns for internet freedom after the European Parliament voted in favour of Article 11 and 13, as part of efforts to regulate around online copyright.
The Articles form part of the EU Directive for Copyright in the Digital Single Market designed to hold technology companies responsible for material posted without copyright permission.
However, the legislation threatens to fundamentally change how information is shared online and will have grave implications for user-generated content. The legislation also increases the chances of technology firms implementing upload filters which could censor legitimate copyright-compliant content.
Following today's votes, the Copyright Directive will be implemented into the laws of each EU member state by 2021.
Today's votes are a blow to Europe’s creative and digital economy. While well intended, the European Parliament's decision is a step backwards for internet freedom and threatens to unnecessarily restrict the way we use the internet. The Directive will force restrictions on the way PR professionals work and deliver value for clients and businesses across Europe. The CIPR has long opposed the legislation and will continue to speak up against the Directive.
- Find out more about our work on the EU Copyright Directive
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).