The final push is on to persuade Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to either adopt the proposed new European copyright directive, or reject / change it (delete according to your side of the debate).

Now more than 200 creative-industry bodies have published their latest open letter to MEPs calling for them to approve the legislation, including its Article 13 section on user-uploaded-content sites. Impala, Cisac, various collecting societies and other music bodies are among the signatories this time round, alongside bodies from the news and publishing industries.

“This Directive has been long sought to create a much-needed level playing field for all actors of the creative sector in the European Digital Single Market, whilst giving citizens better access to a wider array of content,” suggests the letter. “This is a historical opportunity. We need an internet that is fair and sustainable for all. This is why we urge policymakers to adopt the Directive quickly, as agreed in trilogue negotiations.”

Stuart Dredge