Is ACTA the new SOPA?
The agreement aims to establish an international legal framework for targeting copyright infringement.
The Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) is a global effort to protect intellectual property rights by banning counterfeit goods and online piracy.
Critics, however, say it will severely limit net freedom, as the treaty would require Internet Protocol servers to monitor and take legal action against copyright infringement. It could also create life-threatening consequences when it comes to pharmaceutical and agricultural patents.
Another element of criticism is that the trade agreement was negotiated in secret, without the input of democratically elected representatives or civil society organisations.
At least 30 governments have signed ACTA. In the United States, President Barack Obama signed it in October 2011 as an “executive agreement,” which doesn’t require congressional review. In the EU, 22 countries have signed it, but the European Parliament is scheduled to review the treaty in June before ratification.
In this episode of The Stream, we speak to Rebecca MacKinnon, journalist and net freedom advocate, and Candice Li of the International Trademark Association.
What do you think? Does ACTA need to be changed or is it too late? Send us your thoughts and comments on Facebook or Twitter using hashtag #AJStream.