Earlier today, Morning Consult published an op-ed from Re:Create executive director Josh Lamel on the EU copyright directive — specifically how it is not a viable framework for US policy — and the importance of Section 512 of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

Below are excerpts from the op-ed.

“Here in the United States, we already have a system of checks and balances that protects rightsholders and also promotes creativity and innovation. Section 512 of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act established the notice-and-takedown system, allowing rightsholders to notify a platform like YouTube if an uploaded video infringes on their copyright, but still providing flexibility if a post is flagged incorrectly or inaccurately. Section 512 allows for the free flow of creativity and innovation and guards against copyright infringement and censorship.

“As the U.S. Copyright Office convenes the latest roundtable on Section 512, American policymakers should not look to Europeans for a new model. Our balanced copyright system works.

“In fact, it’s not just working but thriving. More creativity is being generated and re-generated by more people in more places than ever before. In 2017 almost 17 million U.S. creators earned a baseline of $7 billion from posting their music, videos, art, crafts and other works online — 15 percent revenues growth in a single year. Internet platforms like Patreon, Etsy, Snapchat, Musical.ly, YouTube and TikTok empower creators to reach fans and paying consumers across the country and around the world.”