Decision on 'internet filter' postponed

strasbourg - The European Parliament has postponed a decision on the adaptation of copyright to the digital age. The proposal to oblige internet platforms such as YouTube and Facebook to filter out music or videos that users post, did not get a green light. When it comes to copyrighted material, they would have to pay the makers a fee, or get the content from the internet.

The battle between supporters and opponents is fierce. A majority (318 against 278) decided Thursday in Strasbourg to discuss the controversial proposals in September in plenary and not to negotiate the final legal text with the Member States. They had already agreed with the 'internet filter' in May.

The Parliament's Committee on Legal Affairs had already approved the proposals, which also stated that publishers receive compensation if a part of a news item is put on the internet. A site like Google News would then have to pay a so-called 'link tax' for the news overviews that the search engine provides.

D66 MEP Marietje Schaake is pleased that there is room to come to 'broader compromises'. 'We strive for a solution where journalists and other creators can be rewarded fairly, without having negative consequences for the freedom of expression online. There is no room for a censorship filter in Europe. '

Judith Sargentini (GroenLinks) is 'very happy that a majority maintains the freedom of the internet. 'Esther de Lange (CDA) did not want the postponement, but she does think that' the creative sector's revenue model must also be secured on the internet. '

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