The European Union plans to introduce drastic changes in the functioning of the Internet. If the predictions of the skeptical circles about this idea prove correct, it will mean the end of the Internet as we know it. Surprisingly, the group of critics also includes publishing houses that are purely theoretically among the beneficiaries of the changes.
Will there be a new version of ACTA?
The European Commission recently introduced the GDPR into European law. Now he wants to resume work on the new version of ACTA, which was such a controversial regulation that it led to protests across Europe. The decision is about to take place, as the vote in the European Parliament on the adoption of the new directive on copyright and the digital single market is approaching.
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The end of the internet as we know it
Activists, Internet users, organizations involved in protecting the freedom and independence of the Internet, and even a large group of journalists and publishers are unanimous - changes are planned in the style of Chinese Internet censorship. All because the EU intends to introduce, inter alia, an intelligent system that will automatically evaluate published content on the web. Press releases and comments will be automatically moderated. There are allegations that this will negatively affect freedom of speech.
Linking Fees
In addition, the planned EU directive also provides for a change in the linking method. An automatic and intelligent system will force users to ask for the consent of the author of the shared content each time. Not only that - it is possible that you will be charged.
Limiting the ranges
Seemingly, publishers should be happy with this solution. In practice, however, the organic reach of the content they publish will be limited. This is due to the fact that it is not publishing companies that will decide on the fees in terms of their amount and collection. The system will impose it on itself. This will mean fewer publications available on the web - it is hard to imagine that, for example, a blogger running a small website would be willing to pay for all the links he publishes on his own.
The changes are also to apply to social media
It is worth mentioning that the planned changes do not only apply to links posted on websites. This is also to apply to social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. The idea of their functioning is based, among others on sharing what has been found on the Internet. If the EU directive comes into force, the amount of content shared will certainly decrease. It is hard to expect that users will be willing to pay, for example, for posting sports information on their profile.
Nothing is certain yet
How such a system will function in practice remains a moot point. However, if the predictions of the above-mentioned groups prove to be true - it will probably mean the end of the Internet as we know it so far. We will keep our finger on the pulse and keep you updated on the stage of any legislative work.
