September 8, 2010 by Jay Smith
According to a leaked report on the development of global software and copyright rules, ACTA (the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement) has been holding discussions relating to the way in which countries approach pirated materials, globally. ACTA have been in secret talks in a bid to set new rules governing the copyright of global software, and are reported to be reaching the end of their discussions having reached an agreed set of principles.
One of the topics reported to have been discussed include the checking of iPods to identify pirated materials, when people pass through border controls from country to country. Top blogger Michael Geist has commented that ACTA are reaching a conclusion to their discussions.
ACTA have previously focussed upon the ambition to bring US copyright laws in to global circulation, in order to tighten up worldwide governance surround piracy issues. Many of the internet enforcement chapter clauses have now been finalised, subject to a Canadian right to revisit them later in the process, according to reports.
European MEPs voted earlier this year to make the ACTA negotiations accessible to the public, but this has not yet happened. Different nations hold different opinions on whether it should be released to the public, slowing down any action in this area.
ACTA is focussing upon striking a happy balance between individual rights to freedom of expression, and the infringement of copyright. Their international remit covers a number of issues from pirated software right through to the production of fake handbags. Their new discussions are concentrated upon protecting software manufacturers against illegal downloading, Jailbreaking and piracy. Mixed in to the discussions, ACTA are considering the rights of government officials with various countries regarding the access of internet service provider data relating to customers.
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