The idea is that of a Robocop-like future for the
intrnet, an automated system that will censor
anything that uses copyrighted images, songs, or
clips. How will this affect you? Those hundreds
of pages you follow that share memes about
communism/cats/depression, or what have you
not? They all use copyrighted images.
Many experts have reviewed the system, and
all have come to the same conclusion. It can not
differentiate between a real imfringement unto the
law, and media that is covered by fair-use laws, such
as parodies, entertainment, and remixes.
Interestingly enough, we finally have an issue that
unites the political left, and right. The left do not
like the authoritarian approach, whereas the right
do not pull any punches in regards to criticising EU
legislation.
Jane Collins, a Member of the European
Parliament for the Yorkshire and the Humber region
for the UK Independence Party, replied to one
of her constituents, in regards to the Copyright
Directive with this:
'Last summer I spent a whole day listening to
lawyers from France, Germany, Austria, Portugal,
the UK, and Belgium, all of whom are experts in
digital media industries ripping the Directive apart
and pointing out the issues in the Scarlett case
making it clear that in its current form the Directive
is going to create more problems than it solves. The
faith in automatic filters displayed by the rapporteur
and his team were bordering on tooth-fairy land'.
What can you do to try and stop this? Read more
on https://saveyourinternet.eu
GUESTLIST
2018 / ISSUE 111
17
TECHNOLOGY
Recently propoosed EU Article 13
of the Copyright Directive, might
just be the death of memes, and
internet culture as we know it.
DEATH OF MEMES,
OR THE DEATH OF
INTERNET