EU copyright law under fire

A draft law to overhaul EU digital copyright rules has come under fire from critics including Tim Berners-Lee, the man credited with creating the world wide web, The Guardian reports. While the aim of the law--to ensure that authors, artists and journalists are “paid fairly” for their work--is laudable, critics say that one of its provisions, requiring platforms to install filters to prevent users from uploading copyrighted materials, will stifle the ability to share content and damage freedom of expression.

Indian meeting

Indian external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj was in Luxembourg on Tuesday and Wednesday to meet both prime minister Xavier Bettel and foreign minister Jean Asselborn. On the agenda were cooperation in trade and investment, fintech and the steel and space sectors, and the strengthening of India-EU relations. India and Luxembourg are currently celebrating 70 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

Disney ups stakes in Fox buyout

In a move approved by Rupert Murdoch, Disney has upped its offer to buy the bulk of 21st Century Fox to more than $71bn. The deal would see Disney pay around $35.7bn in cash and issue 343m new shares to Fox shareholders. Cited in The Guardian, Murdoch said: “We remain convinced that the combination of Fox’s iconic assets, brands and franchises with Disney’s will create one of the greatest, most innovative companies in the world.”

Hammond to unveil post-Brexit partnerships strategy

Philip Hammond is expected to announce the UK government’s strategy to strike deals outside of the single market, making the UK a gateway to financial markets. The British chancellor is scheduled to make his keynote Mansion House speech to the City’s leading players on Thursday evening. The Guardian reports that he will also call on the EU to negotiate a wide-ranging post-Brexit financial services deal.

Trudeau hails cannabis legislation

Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau has said that new legislation legalising marijuana will come into effect on 17 October. The new law will “keep the money out of the pockets of organised crime,” Trudeau told reporters. The new law will permit residents to grow up to four plants in their home and carry up to 30 grams of dried cannabis for personal use.

Today’s breakfast briefing was compiled by Duncan Roberts