What is this??

[Sash]

https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wikipedia:Wikipedia_Signpost/2015-06-17/In_focus&mobileaction=toggle_view_desktop

[afx]

It is a nightmare coming up.....

But I suggest modifying the thread title to something like
Photographic freedom threatened in the EU

cheers
afx

[Sash]

It is a nightmare coming up.....

But I suggest modifying the thread title to something like
Photographic freedom threatened in the EU

cheers
afx

Honestly, I could not believe  it's for real. I was trying to find somewhere in the corner something like "Boo, got ya", but it does look like a real Wiki page.

[afx]

It is real.
It has shown up in various German news.

cheers
afx

[Anthony]

It is real.

If enacted it will enable the owner of copyright in a small building to block commercial publication of a scene consisting mostly of other buildings.  And commercial photographers will have to track down the copyright status of all the buildings in the viewfinder.  Commercial photography of modern cities (most of the buildings will be in the protected period) will become unviable.

What is the justification for the EU to impose such restrictions on freedom of expression on all member states?

[Gary]

This is what happens when governments embrace capitalism.

[Anthony]

Gary, I think it is more that the people in some EU countries have strong views on protectionism, often for the benefit of small businesses or small farmers. 

The riots in Calais and Paris this week are related to this mindset.

[Jørgen Ramskov]

This is nothing less than crazy. Bye bye Google Street View and such as well. It seems there are no danish politicians on the "Legal Affairs Committee", so no obvious candidate to write to for me. However, if they end up implementing it, it will likely be changed when they see the results of this crazy suggestion.

[Anthony]

Jørgen, the matter has moved beyond the Legal Affairs Committee to the full European Parliament, so it could help to write to one or more MEPs.

[Jørgen Ramskov]

You are right, will have to look into that.

[afx]

And here is a petition:
https://www.change.org/p/european-parliament-save-the-freedom-of-photography

cheers
afx

[Bjørn Rørslett]

While I agree the current topic is of high interest to photographers, it also borders on violating our policy against off-topic discussions. So do keep *ANY* political barbs well away from entering the line of argumentation, please.  I have noticed a few already and will not see any more of these. EU is a fact of life like it or not. Thus political systems as such are not under discussion here at NG. Not that they should be exempt from debate of course but conduct the business of discussion elsewhere.

[Bruno Schroder]

Making it illegal to use pictures taken in the urban open space is equivalent to allow freedom of speech only inside our homes.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

There is just so much a photography forum can do about such issues. Raising the general awareness of the public is important. Speculating on the possible ramifications is probably futile until such a law is passed and the legal consequences known. It serves no useful purpose here on NG at present.

Meanwhile, contribute in local or national media to mark your indignation. 

[Jørgen Ramskov]

OK, will try to be more careful going forward.