EuroISPA briefs MEPs on copyright in the digital era

Copyright is just one of the many fundamental rights of EU citizens, and can only be enforced as part of a balanced approach that reflects the importance of competing rights. This was the message delivered by European Internet Service Providers Association (EuroISPA) Treasurer Innocenzo Genna in the European Parliament on Tuesday 3 March.

Addressing the Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy Group (EFDD) workshop Towards a new legislation on Intellectual Property in the Digital Single Market, Mr Genna highlighted the perspective of Internet Service Providers on the nature of copyright in the digital age. The address briefed MEPs, civil society actors, and legal experts on the need for reform European copyright legislation to create an environment that harnesses innovation and supports new business models. Regarding ongoing policy discussions on the topic, Mr Genna stressed the role of legislators in striking the balance between competing rights in the digital sphere. ISPs, he noted, could not be expected to fulfill this task.

EuroISPA Treasurer Innocenzo Genna said: “The recent European Court of Justice rulings in the Sabam and UPC cases show that copyright enforcement measures must be balanced with, and show respect for the freedom to conduct business, right to privacy and the freedom of information. EuroISPA strongly believes that in these matters, enforcement and balance-striking is a matter for judges and legislators.”