Uploaders' perceptions of the German implementation of the EU copyright reform and their preferences for copyright regulation

Abstract

The adoption of the EU copyright reform was controversially discussed by the public, leading to protests across Europe, especially against the introduction of upload filters. This interdisciplinary study examines how differently organised uploaders perceive copyright regulation at a time when the reform is being transposed into national law, and what further demands on regulation they have. The analysis combines qualitative interviews (n = 19) with a content analysis of comments submitted on the national draft law (n = 17). Our findings show that uploaders consider state regulations through upload filters to be restrictive toward freedom of expression. They appreciate the intention behind the implementation of the German law to prevent upload filters, but they do not consider the measures effective in practise, and demand more participation and transparency in the legislative process. Issue 4 Internet Policy Review 11(4) | 2022