The compensation for private copying is a statutory monetary compensation to authors of creative works for the right of each citizen to copy legal works for private use. For example, recording your favourite TV series on your Digibox is considered private copying.
The funds for compensation for private copying come from the national budget (EUR 11 million in 2023). The compensations will be paid from us at Kopiosto as direct compensations for the authors and via AVEK as joint funds directed at the promotion of the sector.
The amount of the compensation is about 5 cents/copy. It will be distributed among all the authors having copyrights for the work. For example, for one film work, compensations will be handed out to about 10-15 authors.
The real level of the private copying compensation has declined during recent years. On an international level, the compensation paid in Finland is small. Accordingly, developing the compensation system is important in order to foster the success of the Finnish audiovisual sector.
Compensation for private copying supports creative work
The private copying levies are paid to authors and performers of creative work. Remunerations are distributed directly by us to creators of Finnish television programmes, including the actors and directors of said programmes.
Private copying levies are also used for the common interests of authors, to promote film and television culture, for example. Since 1987, AVEK, a part of our organisation, has supported the production of Finnish documentaries, animations, short films and media art with the private copying levy funds. During its 35-year history, AVEK has distributed around EUR 70 million of private copying levy funds to the creators of the audiovisual field and has supported the making of 3,000 films or other audiovisual productions.
Approximately 70% of private copying levies concerning the recording of audiovisual works are distributed via Kopiosto and AVEK.
Compensation for private copying is based on law
According to Finnish legislation, producing copies for private use is allowed in Finland. Since 1984, this private copying has been compensated by using the compensation for private copying (previously the compensation fee).
The EU directive concerning copyright and related rights in the information society requires that the copyright holders of works are appropriately compensated for private copying. The EU member states can independently decide on the appropriate nature of compensation to the authors of creative work.
