The European Union (EU) on Thursday, rejected the controversial reform of its copyrights law.
The draft law, named the ‘Copyright Directive, was intended to update the EU’s copyright law to the digital age.
The Copyright Directive was heavily criticised for two key provisions included; Article 11 and 13, which opponents argued would stifle internet freedom and creativity.
The first of these, Article 11, was branded a ‘link tax’ as it would force internet giants like Google and Facebook, to pay newspapers and other outlets for using their material; incurring huge costs.
The second, Article 13, put a greater responsibility on online platforms to check all content uploaded online for copyright infringement.
This meant investing in an automated copyright system which did not come cheap and putting a ban on memes which use some copyrighted material.
After many protests and debate, the Directive was rejected by 318 MEPS who voted against it to the 278 in favour of at the European Parliament.
The legislation will go back to the drawing board before being sent for a second vote in September.
By:ClaraDoku/techvoiceafrica.com
