Skip to content
Support Us

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Alamy Stock Photo

EU copyright directive signed into Irish law boosting rights of content creators

The directive requires tech giants to share revenue with publishers.

THE GOVERNMENT HAS signed the EU’s Copyright Directive into Irish law, paving the way for platforms such as Facebook and Google to share revenue with publishers.

The new law is designed to strengthen the rights and protections afforded to a range of copyright holders, including journalists and authors, when their work is shared online.

The Government says it will update Irish copyright law, to “make it fit for purpose in a digital age.”

It means online service providers will have to negotiate agreements with media organisations to allow sharing of articles.

Without an agreement, online platforms will not be permitted to make use of their work, though they will continue to be able to use hyperlinks or short extracts.

It will also provide for wider access and use of copyright protected works for various stakeholders, including the creative sectors, the media, researchers, educators and citizens.

The EU legislation must be adopted by all member states and Ireland is the seventh to sign it into law.

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said the legislation is part of a broader discussion the Government is having on the future of media.

“Like many aspects of society, the internet has utterly changed the way in which we create, read and watch the news, books, music, TV and films,” Varadkar said.

“The law needs to catch up with this change, and ensure that the rights of our creators, writers, journalists and performers are upheld when it comes to their work being shared online.

“It will be up to the publisher and the online provider to negotiate an agreement. People want to keep getting their news from social media so there is a clear, mutual benefit for both parties in reaching these agreements.”

The law grants authors and performers a right to appropriate and proportionate remuneration.

It includes a “transparency obligation” to help them access more information about how their work is being used.

There is a “contract adjustment mechanism” to enable creators to obtain a fair share when the remuneration originally agreed becomes disproportionately low compared to the success of their work.

The law also includes a “right of revocation” which allows them to take back their rights when their works are not being used.

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Cheeky Charlie
    Favourite Cheeky Charlie
    Report
    May 22nd 2015, 6:32 AM

    Does this mean he can be our president?

    198
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Bleedin Rapid
    Favourite Bleedin Rapid
    Report
    May 22nd 2015, 7:45 AM

    If Pac-Man had affected us as kids, we’d all be running around in dark rooms, munching pills and listening to repetitive electronic music.

    73
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Finbarr Quirke
    Favourite Finbarr Quirke
    Report
    May 22nd 2015, 6:41 AM

    I remember playing this on my cousins Atari. That and centipede were the only two games they had

    46
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute john mccarthy
    Favourite john mccarthy
    Report
    May 22nd 2015, 7:36 AM

    Played my first game in ” the gloss” in Waterford. Two Bob per game. Ah, good times.

    15
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jimmy Murphy
    Favourite Jimmy Murphy
    Report
    May 22nd 2015, 10:27 AM

    Two bob?

    When I first went to the arcade, they took the massive 10p coins with the salmon on it.

    That’s how far back I go.

    16
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Richard Cynical
    Favourite Richard Cynical
    Report
    May 22nd 2015, 6:45 AM

    he is a year older then me, fml

    11
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute David G
    Favourite David G
    Report
    May 22nd 2015, 8:29 AM

    “Hahaha, the hunter has become the hunted” M burns.

    8
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Allister
    Favourite Allister
    Report
    May 22nd 2015, 7:30 AM

    Apparently the secret rumour from nerdville was that Mrs Pac man was a far superior and more entertaining version of the franchise…!

    5
    Lily
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Lily
    Favourite Lily
    Report
    May 22nd 2015, 9:31 AM

    His one month older than me…

    FYI – I’m not old :(

    3
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jax Maxwel
    Favourite Jax Maxwel
    Report
    May 22nd 2015, 9:45 AM

    Its no secret ms pacman was much better, she had a bow!

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ken McCarthy
    Favourite Ken McCarthy
    Report
    May 22nd 2015, 10:31 AM

    Happy Days!

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Fran McCarty
    Favourite Fran McCarty
    Report
    May 22nd 2015, 11:11 AM

    The boxing match were the best games!

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a comment

 
cancel reply
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds