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The European Parliament is currently considering proposed amendments to the draft Copyright Directive which was published by the European Commission last year.  Two of the committees (culture and industry) which have been looking at the issues have voted in the past week.  Most importantly for artists they have voted for the potential introduction of a form of direct payments to artists for streaming income (as with PPL Broadcast income).  In addition the committee also voted tighten up the rules on ‘safe harbour’ on active and passive hosts in an attempt to close the ‘value gap’ between services such as YouTube and those like Apple Music and Spotify.  MMF, along with the Featured Artists Coalition,  has campaigned strongly for the directive to not only address the ‘value gap’ but also look at wider issues across the whole ‘value chain’ from fan to artist, ensuring transparency and fair remuneration.  However this is just one step in a very long political process.  The lead committee doesn’t vote until 10th October and then it needs to be considered by the Council of Europe made up of the Member States (including for now the UK IPO Minister).  There will be a lot of lobbying between then and now and it’s not clear yet how these provisions could apply in the UK.  MMF as always shall keep you all posted.

For more information read the excellent CMU article here.