Article Sharing Framework - STM

"Debates are taking place globally as to what role platforms should take with regards to the content they offer or host. In the EU, a first step to regulate this environment was taken with the 2019 EU Digital Single Market Directive (“DSM”). This new piece of legislation and specifically Article 17, presents an opportunity for platforms and the publishing industry to work together to enable the appropriate use of protected content and to ensure an improved experience for platform users.

Article 17 confirms platforms are liable for the content they host unless they receive authorization from the publisher. This could be, for instance through a license or by ensuring the unavailability of protected works. Meanwhile, publishers are obliged to make available “the necessary and relevant information”.

In 2019 STM assembled a working group to develop the necessary technical processes to implement these new obligations, in order to enable platforms to swiftly identify the content and respective policies to make sharing decisions in real-time using technology. These technical processes are described in the Article Sharing Framework, which enables the simple and seamless sharing of content in manners that are consistent with publisher policies...."