The European Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market was recently published in the official journal, marking its entry into force and the start of the implementation process. The very controversial article 17 (former article 13) on use of content online mandates a stakeholder dialogue to ensure its adequate transposition.

In a letter of 20 May addressed to President Juncker, First Vice-President Timmermans, Vice-President Ansip, Commissioner Gabriel and Director General Roberto Viola, fundamental rights organizations, the knowledge community (in particular libraries), free and open source software developers and others have requested to be included in the stakeholder dialogue.

As IFLA has raised throughout the decision-making proces at the European level, the new article clearly has implications for freedom of expression. Upcoming discussions will be key to ensure that the implementation is as balanced as it can be.

Read the open letter [PDF].

More information on liberties.eu.