It seems that the Canadian government, along with the US and EU, have decided to tackle copyright infringment the same way they do everything else, by invading the privacy of their citizens.
Called the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA), the new plan would see Canada join other countries, including the United States and members of the European Union, to form an international coalition against copyright infringement.
The deal would create a international regulator that could turn border guards and other public security personnel into copyright police. The security officials would be charged with checking laptops, iPods and even cellular phones for content that "infringes" on copyright laws, such as ripped CDs and movies.
Wait..it gets better!
The deal could also impose strict regulations on Internet service providers, forcing those companies to hand over customer information without a court order.
Apparently the key with this is that it is a trade agreement and not legistiation. Which means here in Canada it can be negotiated without the approval of Parliament. I don't know if it is the same with the EU or the US.
If the above wasn't bad enough, guess who's going to be making the decision ...on the SPOT...if what you have on your iPod or laptop is an invasion of copyright? Border guards!
The deal would create a international regulator that could turn border guards and other public security personnel into copyright police. The security officials would be charged with checking laptops, iPods and even cellular phones for content that "infringes" on copyright laws, such as ripped CDs and movies.
The guards would also be responsible for determining what is infringing content and what is not.
I'm a Librarian, I live and breath copyright everyday, but I am no way an expert on copyright regulations for my own country much less internation travellers! Imagine the chaos?? Like the lineups aren't long enough going through customs or crossing the border!
Why this hasn't become a bigger news story I don't know as it will have a significant impact on everyone who travels and that includes all the journalists out there!
Read it all here...
EDIT: I know them morning isn't the best time to write a diary like this, so maybe someone could bring this topic up again later tonight. It really is not being reported as it should be given the potential impact it will have on all our lives.