EU copyright directive may undermine creative economy: YouTube chief

Article 13 of the proposed EU copyright directive could potentially undermine the creative economy, according to YouTube’s chief business officer.

In a blog post published on Tuesday, September 4, Robert Kyncl said that some parts of the directive, in particular article 13, which would require internet platforms to filter uploaded content, could discourage or even prevent platforms from hosting user-generated content.

“This outcome would not only stifle your creative freedom, it could have severe, negative consequences for the fans, the communities and the revenue you have all worked so hard to create,” said Kyncl.

European policy makers are preparing to vote again on the directive next week, on Wednesday, September 12.

In July, the European Parliament rejected the draft directive.

Stakeholders across the board have criticised the current draft, with articles 11 and 13 coming under particular fire.

Article 11 addresses the so-called value gap—the remuneration received by authors and performers compared to the profits made by the internet platforms making rights owners’ works available. Publishers could charge services such as Google for displaying parts of a work in search results.

Kyncl added: “The open internet eliminated the barriers of traditional media gatekeepers and ignited a new global creative economy for creators and artists. It has given anyone with an idea the ability to share their passion, find fans all over the world and build a business.”

However, despite “best intentions” this may now be at risk in the new directive.

The YouTube executive said that the directive won’t only affect creators and artists on YouTube, but will also apply to many forms of user-generated content across the internet.

In June, Tim Berners-Lee, the inventor of the world wide web, and more than 70 other internet experts spoke out against article 13 in a letter sent to the Parliament.

On the opposing side, as TBO reported, a group of 165 film directors and screenwriters urged the Parliament to pass the directive.

The film makers claimed that the draft legislation “puts authors at the heart of copyright” and the Parliament should not delay the legislation’s implementation.