European Commission reacts to ACTA protests

14 February 2012

James Nurton, London

The European Commission has taken the extraordinary step of detailing all the negotiations and consultations that led to the signing of ACTA, in response to allegations that the process was not transparent

At the weekend, there were coordinated protests in 250 cities worldwide against the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA). The action was organised by groups including the Open Rights Group and the Pirate Party. Further protests are planned for February 25.

Protesters have argued that the Agreement, which was negotiated between 2008 and 2010, was discussed behind closed doors and should be scrapped. They say it gives IP owners too much power and will criminalise innocent internet users.

Last week a number of European countries said they would either delay ratification or refuse to ratify the Treaty. In January MEP Kader Arif resigned as a rapporteur over the issue.

But yesterday the European Commission responded, explaining in detail...

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