The American SOPA/PIPA legislation provoked an international campaign, for what Wikipedia itself described during the blackout as the defence of a 'free and open internet'.
Now the focus has shifted to the international copyright protection agreement, known as ACTA. Due to public pressure, through demonstrations & campaigns, a number of European nations have begun to back away from the proposals (The Guardian, 2012).
With Poland, the Netherlands, Bulgaria and Germany stalling for time before the debate on ratification of the treaty by the EU as a whole (Lee, 2012), ACTA looks to be on unsure foundations. Indeed, a petition of two million names was handed in by Avaaz to the EU in opposition to ratification (Washington Post, 2012).
From Thursday March 1st the debate will begin in earnest at the EU, with the International Trade Committee beginning its deliberations and various events arranged to gather the insights of experts and the public on the issue.
According to the European Parliament website, a number of these debates and submissions will be live streamed - meaning at least the debate on free information will be open and accessible via the internet.
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References:
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+ BBC's 'Wikipedia joins blackout protest at US anti-piracy moves'; 8 January 2012.
+ The Guardian's 'Acta loses more support in Europe'; 15 February 2012.
+ Dave Lee's 'Acta protests: Thousands take to streets across Europe'; BBC; 11 February 2012.
+ Washington Post's 'Opponents of ACTA anti-counterfeiting treaty present petition with 2 million names to EU'; 28 February 2012.
For more on ACTA.
*Corrected Wednesday to Thursday.
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