EC Considers Extension of Cable/Satellite Copyright Rules to Online Distribution
By Ignasi Guardans and Dr. Martin von Albrecht
The European Commission has just launched a public consultation on a 1993 Directive on copyright rules applicable to satellite broadcasting and cable retransmission, which essentially seeks views on a possible extension of the Directive to Internet distribution.
The EC is asking whether EU rules, which define where and how satellite broadcasters and cable companies should clear copyrights, are up-to-date. It is also seeking views on the impact of extending these rules to cover broadcaster services (including TV and radio) provided over the Internet. This consultation is one of the 16 initiatives announced in the Commission’s plan for the Digital Single Market. According to the release, the EC is trying to enhance cross border access to broadcasting and related online services across the EU.