[Ecommerce] Australian ISPs voice free trade fears

[Manon Ress]

http://australianit.news.com.au/articles/0,7204,15340176%5e15306%5e%5enbv%5e15306,00.html

ISPs voice free trade fears
Staff writers
MAY 19, 2005
AUSTRALIA'S internet industry has expressed ongoing concern about legal
uncertainties attached to copyright laws imposed on ISPs as a result of
the US Free Trade Agreement.

The Internet Industry Association (IIA) announced it would finalise a
code of practice containing guidance to industry on the issue of
"authorisation liability", which could see service providers held
legally accountable for customer actions carried out across their networks.

Work on the had been suspended while related matters, including takedown
notices, were discussed for the free trade agreement with the US, the
group said.

"However, the IIA is very concerned about ongoing litigation and
preserving the integrity o the FTA copyright protections which have been
in operation since January," the IIA said in a statement.

"If the processes were as clear as they should be and were being adhered
to, then litigation should not happen," IIA chief executive Peter
Coroneos said.




--
Manon Anne Ress
manon.ress@cptech.org,
www.cptech.org

Consumer Project on Technology in Washington, DC PO Box 19367,
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