[x-pubpol] The Internet Society wants ACTA reconsidered

[Joly MacFie]

http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2151890/internet-society-acta-reconsidered

By Dave Neal
Mon Feb 13 2012, 11:18


*NON-PROFIT GROUP* the Internet Society has written to the European
Parliament about the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA).


In its letter addressed to "Honourable Members of the European Parliament"
the group says that ministers must use the time between now and official
ratification at the end of June to carefully consider the treaty and what
it means for the internet.


The letter follows worldwide protests against
ACTA<http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2145346/world-ready-acta-protests>
that
took place this weekend, and comes after a number of countries backed away
from the treaty.


"This is an important issue deserving of your close
attention<http://internetsociety.org/internet-societys-letter-dated-honourable-members-european-parliament-february-2012>,"
says the letter, signed by Frédéric Donck, director of the European
regional bureau of the society. "All that we ask is that before you cast
your vote you ascertain the facts, listen to the views of all stakeholders,
ask them questions if you need further information or clarification, and
make the decision that you feel is right in all the circumstances."


Like others before it, the European Union rapporteur for example, the
Internet Society has concerns about how open the negotiation of the treaty
was, or rather how closed. The rapporteur
resigned<http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/2144717/mep-david-martin-acta-rapporteur>,
but has been replaced by someone else considered to be more friendly to the
treaty.


"Our over-arching concern is with the procedure. We consider there was
insufficient transparency and participative engagement with all
stakeholders throughout the negotiation process," says the Internet Society.


"We strongly believe that policies and legal norms regarding the Internet
and its use (including the enforcement of intellectual property on the
Internet) should be should be developed with the full and active
participation of all stakeholders in an open and transparent manner."


It says ACTA was not, and therefore is not consistent with its Tunis Agenda
for the Information Society. Perhaps worse that this, it said that because
it was not developed in an open way, it could undermine confidence in the
European political system.


"The Internet Society believes that further and more inclusive discussions
are needed on these complex issues before binding agreements are made," it
adds. "Further, our concern is that without the combined insight,
experience and expertise of all stakeholders, it is difficult to ensure
that the appropriate balance will be struck between all interests, and
unintended and negative consequences may remain unforseen."


The Internet Society also offered to discuss ACTA with any interested
members of the European parliament.



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