Observed Signal · Dec 3, 2021 · Policy Update · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Meta to pay €190M license fee
Meta faces a potential licensing cost in Germany after Corint Media, the rights collector for German press publishers, demanded a license payment for 2022 for the use of press content on Facebook and Instagram. Corint Media estimates the 2022 fee at 190 million euros, covering various uses of press content within Facebook services and Instagram. The demand rests on the EU Copyright Directive revision that grants a press publishers’ right (Leistungsschutzrecht). After Google, Corint Media has now presented Facebook Ireland Ltd. with a license offer on equal terms. Meta told dpa that it has begun steps to comply with the rule in Germany and is in talks with Corint Media but would not publicly comment on negotiations. It remains unclear whether Meta will actually pay the 2022 fee; the piece notes Meta may rely on existing partnerships with Spiegel and Die Zeit under a Facebook News program, with the final outcome uncertain.
Regulatory/licensing developments in the EU affecting social platforms and press publishers.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Corint Media demands a 2022 license payment of 190 million euros for use of press content on Facebook and Instagram in Germany.
- The demand is grounded in the EU Copyright Directive revision granting a press publishers’ right (Leistungsschutzrecht).
- Facebook Ireland Ltd. was presented with the Corint Media license on equal terms after Google.
- Meta confirms ongoing talks and says it has begun steps to comply with the new rule in Germany.
- It is unclear if Meta will pay the 2022 fee; existing Spiegel/Die Zeit partnerships under Meta's Facebook News program may be referenced.
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