Net giants may have to pay papers to use their stories

WEB giants such as Google and Facebook may have to pay newspapers for using their content under proposals voted through by the European Parliament yesterday.

The move will be welcomed by many in the media industry, where there is concern over the closure of local papers due to the difficulty in maintaining revenues when advertising shifts online.

Under the Copyright Directive, which was approved yesterday by the European Parliament but still needs to be considered by member states, publications would gain copyright in the descriptions of stories appearing in search engines and social media news feeds.

The president of the European Parliament, Antonio Tajani, said it was a ‘victory for all citizens’.

The Copyright Directive also gives musicians the ability to claim royalty payments from tech giants when their music is distributed online. It was backed by 38 MEPs, while 226 voted against and 39 abstained. Ahead of the vote many

newspapers across Europe published a column by French war correspondent Sammy Ketz. It read: ‘The internet giants’ plundering of the news media’s content and of their advertising revenue poses a threat both to consumers and to democracy.’

Many well-known figures joined the debate, with Sir Paul McCartney saying reform was necessary so artists were fairly compensated. Geoff Taylor, chief executive of the British Phonographic Industry, said: ‘This vote is great news for music fans and anyone who values exciting and original online entertainment.’

Critics of the move have argued it would violate freedom of speech and could bring an end to the sharing of songs or articles on social media.

A Google spokesman said: ‘We’ve always said that more innovation and collaboration are the best way to achieve a sustainable future for the European news and creative sectors, and we’re committed to continued close partnership with these industries.’ Facebook declined to comment.

‘Victory for all citizens’