After intense lobbying by a galaxy of show-business personalities, the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, voted February 10 for tougher laws against online piracy, especially of digitized music and films. One of the proposed amendments to the European Union copyright directive drew fire from consumer groups and libraries because it allows for making copies of texts or recordings, analog or digital, only if rights-holders receive “fair compensation,” according to a Reuters report. This includes copies made for educational or scientific purposes, which would significantly affect library fair-use practices.
The compensation could consist of additional surcharges on blank tape and copying equipment or fees for file downloads. This stipulation might force Britain, Ireland, and Luxembourg to follow the example of the 12 other EU countries that have already adopted such surcharges. The legislation must go to all 15 governments and then back to the parliament before being adopted.
Posted February 15, 1999.