European Parliament under pressure over ACTA

[DaBees-Knees]

http://www.neurope.eu/article/european-parliament-under-pressure-over-acta

On 11 February, activists fighting against the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) are expected to take to the streets and show their disagreement with the international agreement that is believed to be a legal foundation for control of the internet, freedom of speech and online privacy.

ACTA has already been signed on behalf of the EU by the European Commission and is awaiting ratification in the European Parliament.

Some European political parties and Parliamentary groups openly rejected ACTA and supported protests. Party of European Socialists and the European United Left/Nordic Green Left group announced they would not support ACTA.

After a successful online activist campaign which caused postponement of discussion on Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and Protect Intellectual Property Act (PIPA) in the US Congress, an online petition against ACTA, directed to the European Parliament was signed by more than two million people.

Home > Newsroom > European Parliament under pressure over ACTA
European Parliament under pressure over ACTA
Article | February 10, 2012 - 4:00pm
 
On 11 February, activists fighting against the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) are expected to take to the streets and show their disagreement with the international agreement that is believed to be a legal foundation for control of the internet, freedom of speech and online privacy.

ACTA has already been signed on behalf of the EU by the European Commission and is awaiting ratification in the European Parliament.

Some European political parties and Parliamentary groups openly rejected ACTA and supported protests. Party of European Socialists and the European United Left/Nordic Green Left group announced they would not support ACTA.

After a successful online activist campaign which caused postponement of discussion on Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and Protect Intellectual Property Act (PIPA) in the US Congress, an online petition against ACTA, directed to the European Parliament was signed by more than two million people.

The petition reads: “As concerned global citizens, we call on you to stand for a free and open Internet and reject the ratification of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA), which would destroy it. The Internet is a crucial tool for people around the world to exchange ideas and promote democracy. We urge you to show true global leadership and protect our rights.”

The European Parliament has already rejected the basic premises of SOPA and PIPA and it remains to be seen how will they act when it comes to ACTA.

Many countries who initially signed the ACTA agreement decided to halt its implementation or postpone ratification.