The Digital Single Market Directive: Implementation By The UK

According to Chris Skidmore, the former Minister for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation, the UK has no plans to implement the Directive on Copyright in the Digital Single Market ((EU) 2019/790) (the "DSM Directive").

The DSM Directive came into force on 6 June 2019. The deadline for Member States to implement the DSM Directive into national law is 7 June 2021.

Although the UK left the EU on 31 January 2020, a transition period applies until 31 December 2020. During this period, the UK is, in general, treated as if it were still a Member State.

Assuming that the transition period ends on 31 December 2020, the UK can choose whether it implements the DSM Directive into UK law. According to Chris Skidmore, the Government has no plans to do so.