{"id":1691,"date":"2016-09-27T09:18:34","date_gmt":"2016-09-27T08:18:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.mozilla.org\/press-uk\/?p=1691"},"modified":"2016-09-27T09:18:35","modified_gmt":"2016-09-27T08:18:35","slug":"help-fix-copyright-send-a-rebellious-selfie-to-european-parliament-really","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.mozilla.org\/press-uk\/2016\/09\/27\/help-fix-copyright-send-a-rebellious-selfie-to-european-parliament-really\/","title":{"rendered":"Help Fix Copyright: Send a Rebellious Selfie to European Parliament (Really!)"},"content":{"rendered":"

The EU\u2019s proposed copyright reform keeps in place retrograde laws that make many normal online creative acts illegal. The same restrictive laws will stifle innovation and hurt technology businesses. Let\u2019s fix it. Sign Mozilla\u2019s petition, watch and share videos, and snap a rebellious selfie<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

By Mozilla<\/p>\n

Earlier this month, the EU Commission released their proposal for a reformed copyright framework. In response, we are asking everyone reading this post <\/span>to take a rebellious selfie and send that doctored snapshot to EU Parliament<\/span><\/a>. Seem ridiculous? So is an outdated law that bans taking and sharing selfies in front of the Eiffel Tower at night in Paris, or in front of the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Of course, no one is actually going to jail for subversive selfies. But the technical illegality of such a basic online act underscores the grave shortcomings in the EU\u2019s latest proposal on copyright reform. As Mozilla\u2019s Denelle Dixon-Thayer noted in her <\/span>last post on the proposed reform<\/span><\/a>, it \u201cthoroughly misses the goal to deliver a modern reform that would unlock creativity and innovation.\u201d<\/span> It doesn\u2019t, for instance, include needed exceptions for panorama, parody, or remixing, nor does it include a clause that would allow noncommercial transformations of works (like remixes, or mashups) or a flexible user clause like an open norm, or fair dealing.<\/span><\/p>\n

Translation? Making memes and gifs will remain an illicit act.<\/p>\n

And that\u2019s just the start. Exceptions for text and data mining are limited to public institutions. This could stifle startups looking to online data to build innovative businesses. Then there is the dangerous \u201cneighbouring right,\u201d similar to the ancillary copyright laws we\u2019ve seen in Spain and Germany (which have been clear <\/span>failures<\/span><\/a>, respectively). This misguided part of the reform would allow online publishers to copyright \u201cpress publications\u201d for up to 20 years, with retroactive effect. The vague wording makes it unclear exactly to whom and for whom this new exclusive right would apply.<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, another unclear provision would require any internet service that provides access to \u201clarge amounts\u201d of works to users to broker agreements with rightsholders for the use of, and protection of, their works. This could include the use of \u201ceffective content recognition technologies\u201d — which imply universal monitoring and strict filtering technologies that identify and\/or remove copyrighted content.<\/p>\n

These proposals, if adopted as they are, would deal a blow to EU startups, to independent coders, creators, and artists, and to the health of the internet as a driver for economic growth and innovation.<\/p>\n

We’re not advocating plagiarism or piracy. Creators must be treated fairly, including proper remuneration, for their creations and works. Mozilla wants to improve copyright for everyone, \u00a0so individuals are not discouraged from creating and innovating.<\/p>\n

Mozilla isn\u2019t alone in our objections: Over 50,000 individuals have <\/span>signed our petition<\/b><\/a> and demanded modern copyright laws that foster creativity, innovation, and opportunity online.<\/span><\/p>\n

We have our work cut out for us. As the European Parliament revises the proposal this fall, we need a movement — a collection of passionate internet users who demand better, modern laws. Today, Mozilla is launching a public education campaign to support that movement.<\/p>\n

\"copyright\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Mozilla has created an app to highlight the absurdity of some of Europe\u2019s outdated copyright laws. Try <\/span>Post Crimes<\/b><\/a>: Take a selfie in front of European landmarks that can be technically unlawful to photograph — like the Eiffel Tower\u2019s night-time light display, or the Little Mermaid in Denmark — due to restrictive copyright laws. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Then, send your selfie as a postcard to your Member of the European Parliament (MEP). Show European policymakers how outdated copyright laws are, and encourage them to forge a more future-looking and innovation-friendly copyright reform.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve also created three short videos that outline the need for reform. They\u2019re educational, playful, and a little bit weird — just like the internet. But they explore a serious issue: The harmful effect outdated and restrictive copyright laws have on our creativity and the open internet. We hope you\u2019ll watch them and share them with others.<\/p>\n