UPDATED: on Thursday morning the European Parliament voted to reopen the debate over the European Copyright Directive known as Article 13. Today’s vote is a set-back for the music industry, which is pushing for copyright reform, and a victory for the many technology companies opposing it.
Tuesday’s vote opens up the opportunity for amendments, which could weaken the legislation.
“We will not be discouraged by today’s decision and will continue to mobilise the support of musicians and music lovers across the world, in the hopes of reaching a fair agreement with these platforms that will safeguard the future of the music industry,” said David El Sayegh, French PRO SACEM’s Secretary General in a statement following the vote. “We are confident that the European Parliament will eventually support a framework that fully acknowledges the rights of creators in the digital landscape of the 21st century.”