EU's Threat to Unfettered Web - Filtering Uploads and Performance Guard
The European Parliament is facing a critical decision in two weeks that could determine the future of the internet as we know it. Julia Reda, a Pirate MEP, is leading the global resistance against the planned internet censorship, which threatens to implement so-called upload filters across the EU.
The contentious issue is the new Copyright Directive, as voted by the Legal Affairs Committee. This directive introduces automatic censorship and a de facto 'link tax' in the form of a European ancillary copyright. Upload filters and ancillary copyright, according to the Pirate Party, threaten the core of the free internet by subjecting user comments and uploads to automated censorship.
The Pirate Party sees both ancillary copyright and censorship efforts, such as upload filters, as the wrong way to protect copyright in Europe. They argue that these measures restrict freedom of expression, which they believe harms democracy. In their recent publication, the Pirate Party Germany criticises the new Copyright Directive and its potential impact on the free internet.
Julia Reda, along with Patrick Breyer, lead candidate of the Pirates for the European elections 2019, is part of the resistance against the planned internet censorship. Reda plans to challenge the result and request a vote in the European Parliament next month.
The Pirate Party's stance has garnered support from numerous non-governmental organizations, associations, unions, and private individuals across Europe. In recent weeks, various organizations, unions, and individuals have advocated for free internet culture. This includes grassroots groups opposing hate speech and misinformation on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), as well as cultural activists like the band Irie Révoltés, who use their tours to promote political activism and social causes.
Despite these efforts, no large-scale continent-wide coalition or specifically named unions for free internet culture were explicitly noted in the available sources. However, dozens of petitions have gathered hundreds of thousands of signatures against the planned internet censorship.
Interestingly, the Pirate Party believes that the content industry may benefit from the planned regulation. The GDPR, which has been criticized for potentially being a regulatory blow against the free internet, has reportedly created a legally initiated market entry barrier that the big US tech companies are reportedly rejoicing over.
Julia Reda's concerns are not unfounded. She believes the planned regulations will break the internet and restrict freedom of participation. Reda's challenge in the European Parliament next month could be a turning point in the battle for a free and open internet in Europe.
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