While the US is still grappling with the issue of online platforms using local news content without compensation, European countries have taken a definitive step forward. In 2019, the European Union passed a stronger copyright law, and in 2022, it introduced a measure to regulate “gatekeepers” and level the playing field.
Belgium Takes on Tech Giants
Recently, Belgium’s lawyers clashed with Google, Meta, and other online platforms at the European Court of Justice over a law that requires digital platforms to compensate authors, performers, and journalists for using their work. The tech giants have responded with lawsuits, arguing that the law exceeds the EU copyright directive and blurs the distinction between publishers and platforms hosting content.
Other European countries, including France, Spain, Italy, Poland, Germany, and Denmark, have sided with Belgium in the case. Denmark’s Culture Minister, Zenia Stampe, stated that it is self-evident that platforms should pay for using articles and images to promote their platforms and make money.
US Publishers Fight for Copyright Protection
In the US, outlets are also asking courts to protect their copyrighted work. The News/Media Alliance, a US trade group, has stated that tech companies will eventually have to pay for using local news content. Microsoft has recently agreed to pay one of Australia’s largest news publishers to use its journalism in Microsoft’s Copilot AI chatbot.
Despite the progress in Europe, the US still lags behind in protecting local news. A recent report by the Local News Initiative at Northwestern’s Medill School found that Illinois saw its third-largest newspaper sold to a Wall Street firm known for cost-cutting, highlighting the need for stronger policies to preserve and support local news industries.
Local news remains more trusted than national news, but that trust is slipping. According to the Pew Research Center, the share of US adults who trust information from local outlets fell to 70% this year, down from 82% in 2016. The challenge now for local news organizations is to convince the public of their value to their communities despite daunting financial woes, technological upheaval, and growing political divisions.
Original reporting: Renton Reporter — read the source article.
