Knowledge Rights 21 to work with Authors Alliance to raise the voice of authors who care about the public interest

Authors Alliance and Knowledge Rights 21 are pleased to announce the launch of a new project, “Giving Voice to Authors,” through which the Authors Alliance and KR21 will focus efforts over the next year on building up support for European authors who write for the public benefit. 

Since its founding in 2014, Authors Alliance has welcomed members from all over the world, including amongst its founding members and advisory board. Yet it is clear that in Europe the voices of authors who write primarily to spread knowledge and ideas and who care about the public interest are not always heard.

As we have seen in the EU which has enacted a series of copyright laws, such as the Copyright in the Digital Single Market Directive, the debate has been dominated by the largest players, with messaging that gives the impression that authors care little for the rights of users, educational establishments, libraries, or the public. 

While some may indeed believe this, these positions do a disservice to those authors who prioritise seeing their creations and the knowledge they advance to reach as many readers as possible.

Many other civil society organisations across Europe have ably countered these policy positions and have sought to advance access to knowledge in the public interest. But this voice will be stronger if European authors who share this position can have an association through which they themselves are able to make their voices heard.

If you are an author and interested to participate, take a look at the Authors Alliance global website for more about free membership and opportunities to get involved and contribute your experience and ideas!