So the ACTA passed. However, thanks in large part to Europe, a lot of what I was worried about was removed (things like ISPs being forced to block "illegal downloading").
What ended up being passed is such a gutted bill, it's more of a stern warning than any sort of action. While technically the government can now seize any computer or iPod they want simply upon the suspicion that it contains pirated material, they never will, as the ACTA is all but unenforceable. They won't do that because any such actions would be deemed unconstitutional so fast their heads would spin. Well, at least I would hope that would happen. Realistically, the ACTA is aimed at distributors and China, not people who download movies.
If you don't know what the ACTA is, you're part of the problem in America right now. Americans need to actually be informed, have their own opinions, and stand up for themselves.
Basically, if they really do start seizing personal property on the suspicion of piracy and counterfeiting without any sort of search warrant, I'm saving up and moving to Sweden.
Edit: It seems this hasn't passed yet, but it's still important to know about.
It didn't really pass, they're just trying to make it sound that way. Keep on telling people about ACTA.
ReplyDeletehttp://stopusagebasedbilling.wordpress.com/2010/10/04/did-acta-pass/
http://whoacanada.wordpress.com/2010/10/02/acta-truth-or-pravda/
(This is truly a grass roots movement in spite of the media)
I somewhat suspected that it hadn't quite passed. From what I've heard, the current form of it is much, much milder that what was originally on the table.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, I hear far too many people saying "If you aren't a counterfeiter or pirate, you have nothing to fear from this." That's among the most naive things I've ever heard.
Yes, I agree. Just because I don't break the law doesn't mean I want a video camera in my bedroom.
ReplyDeleteLast year boingboing covered a story about a school district giving middle school students laptops to take home that had cameras inside that were being used to monitor student activity. Wanna take bets on how many of those laptops -- with hidden cameras -- ended up in kids' bedrooms? Without telling anyone... like parents. Abuses are happening already. What is our privacy worth?
The thing to remember is that most people don't even know about it because they trust the news media to tell them about important stuff. People don't realize that the news media has been gutted, first by cutbacks and now, even worse, fear of the Internet competition.
Which is why its up to people to spread the word.
Even with being watered down, they still didn't sign, instead they went home and there are no plans for additional negotiation.
I suppose it's still possible for some countries to sign it, but there were some sticking points. Rather than try I think it more likely they'll try to spin it as a success, and then try a new attack after the American election. Even so, continuing to raise the ACTA profile is important, because they are not about to give up. If you haven't already tell your government not to sign!
And of course, keep spreading the word.