Poland refers new copyright rules to EU court: spokeswoman

The move came after Poland’s conservative leader Jarosław Kaczyński earlier this week said his country was planning to file a complaint to the top EU court against the new copyright rules amid efforts to ensure "the freedom of the internet.”

Deputy Prime Minister Piotr Gliński reaffirmed the plan on Thursday.

Kaczyński in late March blasted the new EU Copyright Directive after it was voted through by the European Parliament. He said at the time that his ruling conservative Law and Justice (PiS) party would strive to defend the rights of internet users in Poland.

The directive aims to change the way in which internet companies use media, music, news articles and other content posted online.

Opponents argue the new measures will endanger the freedom of the internet and lead to censorship, while advocates say changes in law are needed to better protect the rights of authors and creators.

Under one new measure, internet companies will be forced to pay publishers for displaying news snippets. Another measure requires online platforms such as Google and Facebook to install filters to prevent users from uploading copyrighted material, according to reports.

(gs/pk)

Source: IAR