Libraries, NGOs Warn EU Commissioners Against Restrictive Copyright Licensing

A diverse group of more than two dozen groups representing libraries, digital civil liberties, free software, and an open, user-friendly internet are urging European commissioners to refrain from overly restrictive copyright licensing policies and to consider flexibilities to copyright to encourage knowledge access. The commissioners were expected to meet today to discuss possible changes to EU copyright law.

The group, collectively called Copyright for Creativity, issued a letter dated 30 November to the college of commissioners.

The letter argues that keeping information open is important for many reasons, including: access, consumers across borders in the EU Single Market, media pluralism, growth and jobs, access for the visually impaired, research, and cultural heritage.

The Copyright for Creativity announcement and letter are available here.

Groups representing authors, publishers and collective societies, meanwhile, have urged commissioners to stick with stronger copyright (IPW, EU Policy, 3 December 2012).