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Fairness in Sight for Creators as MEPs Vote to Close Copyright Loophole

June 20, 2018

Time is Now for Political System to Demonstrate Value of Music in Ireland

The European Parliament’s JURI Committee today voted to accept proposals that close the copyright ‘loophole’ which allows certain technology companies such as YouTube and Facebook to exploit creators’ rights in relation to user-uploaded content (Article 13 of the Copyright Directive).

To date, these companies have not been required to fairly remunerate songwriters or music performers for the use of their work in user-uploaded content online.

These proposals now move to Plenary vote in early July, which will see all MEPs have the opportunity to vote in favour of securing creators’ copyrights online.

Commenting on today’s Committee vote, Eleanor McEvoy Chair of IMRO said,

‘The news of today’s vote is music to our ears. As a singer-songwriter and Chair of the organisation that represents 12,000 music creators in Ireland, I am delighted that the JURI Committee has today voted in favour of fairness. Technology and music can and do work hand-in-hand, and that’s great – but it has to be fair. Creators need to be paid for their work and I’m glad that the Committee has recognised this. At IMRO, we are now calling on all Irish MEPs to show their support for music when this issue goes to Plenary in the weeks ahead. The political system in Ireland has been supportive of music to date, but now is the time to really demonstrate that Ireland truly values music. This is a crucial time for the future of Irish creators.’

Victor Finn, Chief Executive of IMRO said,

‘This vote is the welcome result of a sustained campaign by IMRO and our European counterparts to ask the political system in Ireland and beyond to value creativity and the arts, as much as technology. Our position has always been that sharing of content online is good for music – for fans and for artists. What we are asking, is that like any professional in any sector, is that someone who writes, publishes and performs music gets a fair return for the use of their work. We hope for a positive outcome at Plenary and are seeking support of all Irish MEPs, Government and the wider political system to get this through. Ireland is known worldwide for our music. Now is the time to support it.’

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