Limits оf Freedom оf Expression оn User-Generated Content Platforms
Limits оf Freedom оf Expression оn User-Generated Content Platforms
Author(s): Ana LazarovaSubject(s): Anthropology, Social Sciences, Law, Constitution, Jurisprudence, Fine Arts / Performing Arts, History of Law, Civil Law, Sociology, Sociobiology, Sociology of Culture, Sociology of the arts, business, education, Film / Cinema / Cinematography, Sociology of Politics, Sociology of Art, Sociology of Law, History of Art
Published by: Институт по философия и социология при БАН
Keywords: freedom of information; copyright exceptions; platform liability; user generated content (UGC); parody; pastiche
Summary/Abstract: The article explores the evolving regulatory framework governing user generated content (UGC) platforms in the EU, highlighting the challenges of balancing copyright protection, platform accountability, and freedom of expression in the digital environment. It examines the impact of the controversial Article 17 of Directive (EU) 2019/790 (CDSMD), which imposes direct liability on platforms for copyright infringement. While designed to address the “value gap,” these regulations disproportionately burden smaller platforms, reinforcing the dominance of major providers. The article also analyses copyright exceptions crucial for the exercise of freedom of information of UGC platforms—quotation, parody, pastiche, and incidental inclusion—and their transposition into Bulgarian law. Despite Bulgaria’s broad and technology-neutral implementation, enforcement remains problematic, leading to over-blocking and content loss. Case studies, including Vbox7 in Bulgaria and Sapo Videos in Portugal, illustrate the unintended consequences of these policies.
Journal: Социологически проблеми
- Issue Year: 57/2025
- Issue No: Special
- Page Range: 207-230
- Page Count: 24
- Language: English
- Content File-PDF
