Back in mid-September, we discussed the potential impact of the latest update to copyright laws in the European Union, based on Articles 11 and 13. Between the so-called link tax and the requirement to implement “techniques” to block potential copyright violations, the giants of the web are trying to figure out the next steps. On YouTube’s side, CEO Susan Wojcicki was blunt: complying with the law is not “realistic,” and the only solution would be blocking videos in European soil.
Article 13 and YouTube: “We Would Have to Block Videos”
Wojcicki begins her post by highlighting the sum YouTube paid last year for copyrights in Europe: 800 million euros, and more than 1.5 billion dollars to the global music industry. She also adds that while they support the underlying goal of Article 13, the Parliament’s proposal is “not realistic” and will have “unexpected consequences” for those who live off those rights. Why is it so difficult to do what Parliament wants?
The example cited by the CEO is none other than “Despacito,” the most-watched video on YouTube. Beyond our opinion on its quality, this video has multiple copyrights ranging from publication rights to sound editing… but some rights in the video are are unknown. Even the owners themselves can’t agree. Faced with so much uncertainty, the need to comply with the law “and” the size of YouTube, videos in a similar condition to “Despacito” could end up blocked.
Of course, that doesn’t mean YouTube should wash its hands. A significant number of small and medium creators feel very aggrieved by the current situation on the platform, including the waves of demonetization, and the Content ID errors that Google trusts so much. There is much to improve, and the speed of those responsible has not been exemplary. However, Article 13 could break far more than we imagine. There are also voices indicating that Parliament did it on purpose, meaning the mere existence of Article 13 seeks to poison Google’s well. All arrows point to January 2019. That month will be the final vote. What do you think will happen? Comments are open.
