The Parliament adopted its position, making changes to the one suggested by its committee

Will a new EU-wide permission to conduct research using text and data mining be limited to research institutions only? Read more

Will internet platforms where users can upload content be forced to monitor user behavior to identify and prevent copyright infringement? Read more

Will all use of journalistic content online, even when just describing a link, require a license from the publisher? Read more

Criticism summarised

[The Copyright Directive is] on the verge of causing irreparable damage to our fundamental rights and freedoms, our economy and competitiveness, our education and research, our innovation and competition, our creativity and our culture.

– Over 80 signatories representing human and digital rights organisations, media freedom organisations, publishers, journalists, libraries, scientific and research institutions, educational institutions including universities, creator representatives, consumers, software developers, start-ups, technology businesses and Internet service providers

The [law] is failing its stated goals … The legislative drafts […] respond in effect to the agenda of powerful corporate interests … It will not serve the public interest

– Independent legal, economic and social scientists from leading research centres across Europe

It does not happen often that there is wide scientific consensus on a contested policy issue. This is such a case, and policy makers need to take note.

– Independent scientists from leading research centres across Europe

We are concerned that these provisions will create burdensome and harmful restrictions on access to scientific research and data, as well as on the fundamental rights of freedom of information. […] a significant threat to an informed and literate society

– Large group of European academic, library, education, research and digital rights communities, including the European University Association and the International Federation of Library Associations

This [law] will lead to excessive filtering and deletion of content and limit the freedom to impart information on the one hand, and the freedom to receive information on the other.

– 57 signatories representing fundamental rights organisations, including Human Rights Watch and Reporters without Borders

The reform may thwart development of modern solutions in education, creativity, commerce, media or healthcare

– A Future Not Made in the EU – Centrum Cyfrowe think tank

For more, see the individual topic pages.