The controversial directive makes websites such as YouTube responsible for copyrighted content uploaded by creators.
The law has been met with criticism from media companies, creators and the wider online community, with the article being labelled as a ‘meme ban’ by campaigners.
This comes despite the European Union today confirming that memes and GIFs will be “specifically excluded” from the rules.
In a statement, rapporteur Axel Voss said: “The adopted text contains numerous provisions that will guarantee that the internet remains a space for free expression.
“These provisions were not in themselves necessary, because the directive will not be creating any new rights for rights holders. Yet we listened to the concerns raised and chose to doubly guarantee the freedom of expression.
“The ‘meme’, the ‘gif’, the ‘snippet’ are now protected more than ever before,” he said.
Update: The European Parliament has now voted on the EU Copyright Directive. Thanks to all the creators who spoke up about how #Article13 will impact them and their communities. Here's our statement on today's vote ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/ETHEOYwr7w
— YouTube Creators (@YTCreators) March 26, 2019
The legislation has been met with strong opposition from YouTube, with the platform saying Article 13 “threatens the livelihoods of so many creators in Europe and around the world”.
Commenting on the latest developments on Twitter, the video sharing site said: “The final version of the EU Copyright Directive is an improvement, but we remain concerned.
“Article 13 could still have unintended consequences that may harm Europe’s creative and digital economy. We urge EU member states to keep these concerns in mind as they move to implement the new rules.”
YouTubers have since reacted to the news following the directive being passed in the European Parliament, with Craig Thompson – known online as Mini Ladd – saying that “we’re all in for a hell of a ride soon”.
Josh Bradley, member of the YouTube supergroup The Sidemen, responded by saying: “What if we just band together and launch our own internet provider, that automatically works as a VPN and shows you as being outside of the EU?
“We could all just virtually move to the USA.
“Sidenet launching early 2020,” the gamer joked.
Just a thought process on Article 13.
What if we just band together and launch our own internet provider, that automatically works as a VPN and shows you as being outside of the EU?
We could all just virtually move to the USA.
Sidenet Launching Early 2020.
— Josh Zerker (@ZerkaaHD) March 26, 2019
Elsewhere, creator Dan Bull said the “one reassuring thing” about the new regulation “is that it cannot work”.
In a post on Twitter, he said: “It practically will be impossible to implement and manage the system they’re proposing.
“YouTube can’t handle Content ID on their own website; imagine the governments of 28 countries trying to handle it on ALL websites.”
Countries which are members of the European Union will now be asked to approve the Parliament’s decision “in the coming weeks”.
If adopted, member states will have then have two years to implement the legislation.
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