Politicians illegally use artists' music and images
At Dansk Artist Forbund, we help artists whose images and music are used without permission, and thereby contribute to stopping the abuse and clarifying possible compensation.
Politiken has mapped that as many as 126 parliamentary politicians - equivalent to two out of three politicians - have violated copyright law on social media. Among other things, they have used background music in political video campaigns without the consent of the owners.
Politicians' use of music and images on social media is not only in violation of copyright law, but also potentially offensive to the individual artist.
Politicians have a special responsibility
As the law stands today, private individuals are allowed to use a song to accompany a video on social media. But politicians have a special responsibility. They should get permission to share the music. Morten Rosenmeier, professor of copyright law at the University of Copenhagen, tells Politiken.
"If you are a musician and a supporter of a certain political viewpoint, it can feel offensive if a politician with completely different views than your own uses your music to promote their political interests," he says.
And this is exactly what is at stake for many artists, says lawyer Nathalie Rothe, head of the Danish Artist Association's legal department. The department learns at every general election that politicians use artists' music illegally. The association helps artists with their copyrights and options for compensation.
"Most artists are interested in getting what the politician has posted removed. They are not interested in being linked to a politician or a particular political party," explains Nathalie Rothe.
from being linked to a politician or a particular political party."
Artists must be paid
According to Politiken's count, members of parliament broke copyright law 1050 times last year. The politicians came from eight different parties, and the violations occurred both when sharing music and images.
Several of the politicians who violated copyright in 2022 have now removed the posts on social media. Most apologise and say they were unaware of the rules.
The Danish Artist Association prioritises the work to protect artists' rights. Chairperson Sara Indrio explains.
"Artists' music and images have an enormous value, and DAF has a very important task in protecting it. Our lawyers can help individual artists who get stuck, and as an organisation we work continuously to strengthen the position of artists on digital platforms."