UK Music welcomes EU copyright vote as “fantastic victory” for the future of music online

12 September 2018 - Press release

UK Music today welcomed the European Parliament’s  vote today (Wednesday) to approve key copyright changes.
 
MEPs backed the Copyright Directive which contains crucial provisions for tackling the transfer of value from the music industry to online platforms.
One of the key elements of the Directive is Article 13 which creates a new legal framework to ensure that large online services like Google-owned YouTube pay creators and respect the content they use.
 Commenting on the vote, UK Music CEO Michael Dugher said:
 
“This is a fantastic victory which is testament to the brilliant and passionate campaign to get a fair deal for all those involved in the UK music industry.
 
“The #LoveMusic campaign exposed the tricks that some big tech firms tried in their failed attempt to block these crucial changes.
 
 “I would congratulate the MEPs, British MPs, musicians, creators, investors and all who worked so tirelessly in support of these vital safeguards – despite the campaign of misinformation by Google and their allies.
 
“There must be no watering down of this breakthrough commitment to creators.  It’s important that everyone continues to work together to implement real change as quickly as possible.”
The proposals will now be considered in a “Trilogue” between the European Parliament, Commission and Council to finalise a Directive.