For much of the world, the EU Copyright Directive is seen as a bold and positive step to make sure that authors are fairly remunerated for the use of their work in the digital age by guaranteeing measures such as rights to fair reporting and to claim fair remuneration. In France many of these measures already exist, and further action is being taken to address imbalances in the digital age. As an example of this, in March the French Government unveiled plans for a “GAFA tax” named after the fact that it looks to address companies such as Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon, a sign that, while for many the challenge the Copyright Directive posed to tech companies was controversial, the French Government is ready to go further.
French authors’ organisations including IAF members La Scam and Société des gens de lettres (SGDL) will unite for Les États Généraux du Livre which will feature the campaign for 10% minimum share of remuneration. A range of studies have shown that while authors’ incomes are in decline, the creative industries are doing better than ever, and efforts to strengthen the bargaining position of authors are needed now more than ever.
We look forward to hearing and sharing the outcomes from this event; hopefully this will be good for authors not only in France, but around the world.