Dutch Labour Party argues against abolition of Dutch private copy levy in Brussels

Last spring, the Dutch government presented their plans for renewal of the national copyright policy. The new plans include the abolition of the controversial private copy levy. Now, the Dutch Labour Party (PvdA) argues to maintain the Dutch fee on CDs and DVDs that are used to make copies of music and films for private use in Brussels.

In the new copyright policy, Dutch state secretary Teeven announced that instead of maintaining the private copy levy, copyright holders should include the compensation into the price of their initial product. Therefore, the private copy fee is no longer needed, claims Teeven. According to the state secretary, alternative levy systems, such as on broadband internet are not a solution. These alternative levies can even result in double charges or unnecessary payments for the consumer. In addition, there is no longer place for the private copy levy because they have become outdated due to new technologies, Teeven says. The state secretary will submit a bill for better online copyright enforcement and amendements on the private copy levy regime later this year.

The Labour Party does not agree with Teeven. According to Nu.nl, the Party argues that the government should maintain the private copy levy, because it is a legally protected part of the authors’ or artists’ income. According to Labour Party MEP Emine Bozkurt, the Netherlands should first look for alternative income guarantees for artists, before the private copy levy should be abolished. Bozkurt also wants to know whether Teeven’s plan to abolish the private copy levy is in violation with the obligation for Member States to compensate artists for private copying, as provided in European legislation.

Read more about the plans to renew Dutch copyright policy on FutureofCopyright.com:

• Dutch government presents new policy on copyright
• Dutch state secretary Teeven reacts on policy priority brief Copyright 20©20

Reference: Nu.nl

By: Karen Groen