Guys, the internet is in danger once again - starting in Europe. Fanfics, fan art, videos, gifs, and memes are at risk of being taken down due to a law that can be enacted in the EU on September 12th.

For those in Europe, please call and leave messages for your representatives as the internet itself is in danger. We cannot risk losing our voices and creativity on the internet. And when one side of the pond enacts such a law, the other side is very likely to enact it after. Everyone in the world may lose their rights to be inspired by the franchise they love (e.g. Star Wars, Doctor Who, Supernatural, music, etc.).

The ones who created the article of law, Article 13, have truly done a lazy way to put copyright limits into law. Yes, it stops those who reupload someone’s original content and make money off of it, but where does the line end? Is fan art and fanfiction a strike on copyright? Is commentary via gifs and memes a strike? Is playing a video game on YouTube or even twitch a strike? The artists and companies who are backing this potential law are trying to kill off what is the new day and age of the world, believing that what people create to express their emotions or even their comedic input is stealing their enterprise when in reality they’re killing off their own properties and branding.

For example: a lot of people who do covers or even educational videos on classic rock songs - especially Led Zeppelin- are being striked down on YouTube for copyright infringement. If you wish to hear how that’s a thing on YouTube, look at Rick Beato’s channel and see how just a few months back, he couldn’t post how a classic rock song is great. It not only loses educational opportunities, it loses the chance of new fans to come around, listen, then buy or stream the artist’s music because they discovered another artist they liked thanks to the educational platform.

Companies are losing money for their properties, and they think it’s okay to kill what will actually give them more money in the long run. It also leads to the belief that companies and people with a lot of money or possible influence can control the rights of single individuals in order to make a profit over it.

This. Cannot. Happen.

Call your elected officials in Europe, express why Article 13 should not be enacted into law. If you wanted an opportunity to finally be a hero and save something or someone - this is it. Save the internet. Save creativity.

Save your voice.