The scope of the EU Digital Copyright Directive approved this week by European Parliament is broad. With most media attention having been devoted to the controversial “link tax” (Article 11) and “meme ban” (Article 13), other measures in the Directive which strengthen the position of authors and performers should not be forgotten. This post looks ‘behind the headlines’ to explain these other measures.…

The Digital Watcher

EU Copyright Reform: EU Parliament approves proposal including controversial articles 11 and 13

By Colette Deamer on March 26, 2019

On 26 March 2019, the European Parliament approved the EU Copyright Directive. What happens next? Member states will have two years to implement the directive at a national level once adopted. The news will not please the large online content aggregators which have been extensively lobbying against the implementation of the Copyright Directive. The controversial Article 13 (the so-called “Meme Ban”) has been one of the main reasons for the aggregators’ objections because it…

The Digital Watcher

EU Copyright Reform: Article 11 – “Link Tax”

By Colette Deamer on March 26, 2019

On 26 March 2019, the European Parliament approved the EU Copyright Directive. Article 11 of the revised EU Copyright directive prohibits online content providers from linking to news outlets/publications without the prior authority of the publisher – the so called “Link Tax”. This means that for an online content provider to be able to link to a news article on their site, it will need a licence from the publisher. It may also need…

The Digital Watcher

EU Copyright Reform: copyright rules for a digital world?

By Colette Deamer on March 21, 2019

on 26 March 2019 the European Parliament approved the draft EU Copyright in the Digital Single Market Directive. The copyright reforms have sparked large scale controversy amongst the tech giant community, condemning the reforms as impractical and burdensome. Whereas many (not all) authors and members of the performing artist industry have welcomed such proposals, favouring fairer protection and remuneration for their works. What is the purpose of the Directive? Digital technology has changed the way…

The Digital Watcher

EU-US Privacy Shield: Safe for another year—but trouble lies ahead

By Sam Goodman on February 6, 2019

Thousands of European and US companies will have been relieved by the recent announcement that the EU-US Privacy Shield (the framework for regulating transatlantic exchanges of personal data) is secure for another year. However, it may be premature to rejoice: the EU Commission’s review highlighted two key issues: the continued reluctance by the US to institute fundamental safeguards for individuals’ personal data; and the imminent need to appoint an independent ombudsman. Coupled with the impending…

The Digital Watcher

UK guidance for developers of health care software and technologies

By Kathy Harford, Ewan Townsend & Daisy Bray on September 12, 2018

Data-driven technologies, particularly artificial intelligence and other complex algorithms, have the potential to enhance patient care and catalyse medical breakthroughs. However, these technologies are heavily reliant on data, which poses challenges in ensuring that patient information is handled in a safe, secure and legally compliant way.…

The Digital Watcher

UK Supreme Court: rights-holders must pay costs of blocking IP-infringing websites

By Kathy Harford, Rhiannon Edwards & Rob Bratby on June 13, 2018

In today’s judgment, the UK Supreme Court held that rights-holders should bear the costs of implementing website blocking injunctions to prevent IP infringement. The judgment overturns the practice adopted by the English courts since 2011 of requiring internet service providers, as innocent intermediaries, to bear these costs.…

The Digital Watcher

Are joint data control relationships now the norm rather than the exception?

By Zoe V. Walkinshaw & Kathy Harford on June 8, 2018

A recent judgment of the European Court makes it clear that in many circumstances more than one party may be a joint data controller. Whilst the judgment pre-dates the GDPR, its consideration of what constitutes ‘control’ and ‘joint control’ remains good law under the GDPR. The judgment means that parties who may have considered themselves ‘data processors’ in the past should review whether they are in fact ‘joint data controllers’ with others.…

The Digital Watcher

ECJ confirms rights holders can stop cloud-based television recording services

By Monica Kam on December 1, 2017

On 29 November 2017, the Court of Justice of the European Union (ECJ) confirmed that, under the Copyright Directive (the Directive), the making available of copies of television programmes saved in the cloud must be authorised by the holder of the copyright or related rights.…

The Digital Watcher

EU Commission proposes stronger mandate for ENISA and EU-wide cybersecurity certification

By Rhiannon Edwards on September 29, 2017

On 13 September 2017, the Commission issued a proposal for a Regulation to strengthen the role of the EU Agency for Network and Information Security (ENISA) by: granting it a permanent mandate; clarifying its role as the information hub of the EU for cybersecurity; and tasking it with the responsibility of proactively contributing to policy in the area of network information and security. The proposal also introduces EU-wide cybersecurity certification schemes for ICT products and services, which…

The Digital Watcher

European telecoms and technology law and regulation

Blog Authors

EU Copyright Reform: good news for authors and artists behind the headlines…

EU Copyright Reform: EU Parliament approves proposal including controversial articles 11 and 13

EU Copyright Reform: Article 11 – “Link Tax”

EU Copyright Reform: copyright rules for a digital world?

EU-US Privacy Shield: Safe for another year—but trouble lies ahead

UK guidance for developers of health care software and technologies

UK Supreme Court: rights-holders must pay costs of blocking IP-infringing websites

Are joint data control relationships now the norm rather than the exception?

ECJ confirms rights holders can stop cloud-based television recording services

EU Commission proposes stronger mandate for ENISA and EU-wide cybersecurity certification

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