EU copyright reforms a step closer - but Google warns they 'could harm creatives'

The EU is a step closer to implementing a controversial copyright law reform that could affect what people share on websites like YouTube after politicians agreed on changes to the proposals.

The reform, which pits tech giants like Google against publishers and content creators, will be put to MEPs next week before they make their final decision at a later date.

Proposed changes to the law are designed to re-balance the relationship between internet platforms and those who create content - anything from music and memes to news and film.

It seeks to give fairer pay to creators and forces tech firms to remove copyrighted content.

Following the announcement, Andrus Ansip, the European Commission's vice president for the digital single market, said: "Glad to see EU countries once again finding a common voice on copyright reform.

"Europeans deserve copyright rules fit for digital age: it is good for creators, platforms and for regular internet users."

However, under the proposed rules, Google-owned YouTube would have to filter out copyrighted material and work with content makers to take down content uploaded by users.

Sky News