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US gives information on secretive international piracy deal

11 April 2009 18:39 by James "Dela" Delahunty | 7 comments

Details have emerged about the secretive global negotiations to fight copyright infringement and the movement of pirated material across the world. The proposed Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) has received a lot of speculation due to the secretive nature of the negotiations, with some digital rights lobbyists criticizing the lack of detail. However, the Obama administration's goal to improve transparency has made some details public.

The information released shows how 37 countries are working to find a way to cut copyright infringement and counterfeiting globally. Interestingly, the summary indicates that the countries are trying to figure out how to (if at all) involve Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in the fight against piracy.

ACTA also considers measures to stop the flow of copyright infringing material from moving across borders. This led to some fears that there would be checks of computers and MP3 players to find pirated content. However, the outline makes that very unlikely, as it makes it clear the interest is only with industrial-scale importing and exporting of counterfeit material.

"Cross-border trade in counterfeit and pirated goods is a growing global problem that often involves organized criminal networks," the material reads. It said that ACTA might include "a de minimis exception that could permit travellers to bring in goods for personal use". The treaty would harmonize what "scale" of activity needs to be reached before infringement becomes criminal, and how the authorities will deal with it.

More Info: http://ustr.gov/ (PDF)

Permalink to this article

Secret ACTA Internet chapter leaked: Global DMCA and 'three strikes' (4 November 2009)

ACTA authors want content owners to set damage awards (17 April 2009)

Speedo and iRiver bring underwater MP3 player to North America (14 April 2009)

USTR fights release of IP treaty details citing national security (30 January 2009)

Canadian government creates secret copyright advisory panel (28 July 2008)

Secret IP treaty to be discussed this week in Tokyo (7 July 2008)

Controversial intellectual property treaty being drafted in secret (27 May 2008)

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Discuss this article!
windsong (Junior Member) 11 April 2009 20:49
OLD news. Just a rehash of news LAST YEAR. [ + quote]
Dela (Staff Member) 12 April 2009 6:25
The PDF doc the article links to was released just days ago, the news from last year was that the negotiations were in progress, this is offering up some details... as in, not speculation... never mind... [ + quote]
badkrma (Newbie) 12 April 2009 6:41
Countries can't seem to agree on ways to stop transportation of stolen vehicles, the sex slave trade, weapons, but somehow stopping piracy of software and movies rank at the top of each country. Ya I know piracy is an issue, but I have to wonder at what extent our personal rights and freedoms will be taken away to achieve this goal. [ + quote]
Blessedon (Member) 12 April 2009 21:28
We have RIGHTS ?? "freedom's just another word for nuthin' left to lose..." J.J. [ + quote]
veyron (Newbie) 13 April 2009 0:41
*Originally posted by badkrma:* Countries can't seem to agree on ways to stop transportation of stolen vehicles, the sex slave trade, weapons, but somehow stopping piracy of software and movies rank at the top of each country. Excellent point, these crimes will forever take a backseat to heavy handed corporations who carry significant financial clout. [ + quote]
vanessa80 (Inactive) 14 April 2009 4:18
Hello, everyone! I am a Spammer, this is my first visit.Happy to see your credit card details! [ + quote] This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 14 April 2009 13:24
Mez (Senior Member) 17 April 2009 12:39
veyron, good point, but you don't know who you are dealing with. The RIAA and the rest of the meduia mafia is a well oiled machine as far as lobbing. I would be surprised if they didn't get their way when countries can't protect their borders for drugs, guns or anything else. [ + quote]