In win for tech giants, EU copyright reforms stalled

EU efforts to reform copyright rules hit a roadblock on Monday as a meeting of lawmakers and officials was called off, prompting criticism of Google from publishers after it and other tech giants lobbied against the changes.

The European Commission, which launched the debate two years ago, says the overhaul is necessary to protect Europe's cultural heritage and level the playing field between big online platforms and publishers, broadcasters and artists.

European Parliament lawmakers, representatives from EU countries and Commission officials were scheduled to meet on Monday to reconcile their positions on the topic.

But the meeting was called off after EU countries failed to resolve differences on Friday.

"Quite disappointed about this delay. I think we should not on the last metres lose sight of the major achievements that are already largely agreed," Commission digital chief Andrus Ansip said in a tweet.

Timing to get an agreement is tight because of European Parliament elections in May.

Two proposals have attracted the most attention. One, Article 11, could force Google, Microsoft and others to pay publishers for displaying news snippets. But after snippet taxes were introduced in Spain and Germany in the past, publishers reported plunging traffic to their sites.

The other measure, Article 13, would require online platforms such as YouTube and Instagram to install filters to prevent users from uploading copyrighted materials, which critics say could lead to censorship.

Member states at Friday's meeting disagreed on the size of the carve-out for small- and medium-sized enterprises, with Germany pushing for a higher threshold for SMEs subjected to the rules while France wanted a lower bar, said an official.

Publishers criticised lobbying by Google.

"Google has intensified its scaremongering about the possible impact of a new neighbouring right for press publishers," the European Publishers Council, European Newspaper Publishers' Association and the European Magazine Media Association said in a joint statement.

"They are running a 'test' of how they see Google Search might look in the event that press publishers can choose to seek licensing agreements with Google for the reuse of their content."