EU Commission seeks feedback on live event broadcast anti-piracy measures
The European Commission has initiated a Call for Evidence to evaluate the impact of its 2023 Recommendation aimed at combating online piracy of live events, including sports, concerts, and theater performances. This Recommendation encourages Member States, rightsholders, and online service providers to take effective measures against unauthorized retransmissions of live content.
Key aspects of the Recommendation include:
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Prompt treatment of notices: Emphasizing the need for swift action by hosting service providers to minimize harm caused by illegal streaming.
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Dynamic injunctions: Encouraging the use of blocking injunctions tailored to live events and granting legal standing to sports event organizers to seek such injunctions where currently not possible.
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Commercial offers and awareness: Recommending that event organizers and broadcasters enhance the availability and attractiveness of legal offers and raise public awareness about the issues of piracy.
The News Media Coalition supports robust anti-piracy measures but emphasizes the importance of preserving journalistic freedoms, ensuring that any policy continues to uphold exemptions for journalistic purposes.
Feedback on the Call for Evidence is open until 28 May 2025. The Commission, with support from the EUIPO Observatory, will assess the Recommendation’s effectiveness and consider further measures if necessary.
