Different organizations protested over the proposed sound copyright extension that will allow record labels to have exclusive rights over music and any sound recordings for more than 50 to 95 years.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), a non-government organization that focuses on consumers’ rights in accessing digital products, said that extending the time period of the current sound copyright will be both detrimental for musicians and consumers.
EFF urged people to sign up a petition to stop lawmakers to pass the proposed sound copyright extension saying that it “would be an injustice to European musicians and musical culture, and may harm the economy.
The organization also urged lawmakers in Europe to protect consumers against the vested interests of few groups, adding that the law should be upheld to gain the public’s trust.
According to EFF website, all countries are following the 50-year sound copyright which means that after this period, anyone can distribute and obtain a certain song without paying the record labels. Meanwhile, the recording industry is proposing to extend the copyright law for more than 50 to 95 years which can be detrimental to the overall economy, EFF added.
Few years ago, the UK government rejected the appeal of the record industry to extend the current sound copyright.
Dutch authorities also junked the extension of the copyright term based on lack of proof that a new policy should be implemented.
Despite these initial rejections, the record industry continues to lobby its proposed copyright terms in Europe.
Meanwhile, the record industry said that extending the sound copyright will be beneficial for musicians and artists, adding that it can promote more creativity in music.