AFP sues Musk's X over copyright


Agence France-Presse (AFP) has taken the social network Twitter to court to obtain information enabling it to negotiate remuneration for the use of its content on the platform, according to a press release published on August 2, 2023. — AFP

PARIS: AFP news agency launched a copyright case in France on Wednesday against social media giant Twitter, recently rebranded X, part of a global struggle to get tech firms to pay for news.

Media groups have long argued that their stories and images bring value to platforms like X, Facebook and Google, meaning they should get a slice of the profits.

Their cause was boosted by a 2019 EU law that allowed for payments for sharing content under a regime called "neighbouring rights", and Google and Facebook eventually agreed to pay some French media outlets.

But AFP has accused X, owned by billionaire tycoon Elon Musk, of a "clear refusal" to engage in discussions on neighbouring rights.

AFP said in a statement it had lodged a case with a judge in Paris to force the platform to hand over data that would allow the French news agency to estimate a fair level of compensation.

"As a leading advocate for the adoption of neighbouring rights for the press, AFP remains unwavering in its commitment to the cause," the statement said.

"The Agency will continue to employ the appropriate legal means with each relevant platform to ensure the fair distribution of the value generated by the sharing of news content."

Contacted by AFP, the company was not immediately available for comment, but on Thursday Musk called the lawsuit "bizarre" in a post on X.

Although media groups in France have won some victories, big tech firms have pushed back hard in other regions.

Meta blocked users of Facebook and Instagram in Canada from seeing posts from news organisations this week over a law that mandates compensation for the content.

Google has threatened to take similar action.

Meta and Google also opposed similar proposals in Australia.

The two firms dominate online advertising and stand accused of draining cash away from traditional news organisations while using their content for free.

X, as a much smaller platform, has not faced the same level of scrutiny. – AFP

   

Next In Tech News

Social media sites call for Australia to delay its ban on children younger than 16
Study: New coating can make China’s stealth aircraft invisible to anti-stealth radar
Apple chief returns to China as Beijing prepares to fete CEOs
Meet the San Francisco billionaire who paid US$6.2mil for a single banana
Shazam rides high, reaching 100 billion song recognitions
South Korea prosecutors seek 5-yr jail term for Samsung Elec chief in appeals case
Cyberattacks cost British businesses $55 billion in past five years, broker says
Rio Tinto-backed lithium tech startup set to raise second round of funds
Maybank: DuitNow Transfer and DuitNow QR services temporarily unavailable (Nov 25)
French government offers to buy Atos' advanced computing activities

Others Also Read