Final TPP text reveals serious threats to Internet freedom

For Immediate Release Agreement includes provisions to censor the Internet, rob the public domain, undermine data privacy, and force TPP countries to import draconian copyright rules November 5, 2015 – Over a month since a deal was first announced, the full text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement has finally been revealed. The text, published today by the New Zealand government, will force the 12 participating TPP nations to import draconian copyright rules. It also threatens to undermine data privacy, rob the public domain, and induce Internet providers to censor websites.

For Immediate Release

Agreement includes provisions to censor the Internet, rob the public domain, undermine data privacy, and force TPP countries to import draconian copyright rules

November 5, 2015 – Over a month since a deal was first announced, the full text of the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement has finally been revealed. The text, published today by the New Zealand government, will force the 12 participating TPP nations to import draconian copyright rules. It also threatens to undermine data privacy, rob the public domain, and induce Internet providers to censor websites.

Digital rights group OpenMedia, which has helped rally over 3.6 million people against the TPP’s secrecy, says the deal amounts to one of the most serious threats to digital rights that Internet users have ever faced. In the U.S., high-profile leaders from across the political spectrum have spoken out against the TPP, including Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, and GOP Senator Orrin Hatch.

“Today’s release of the full TPP text confirms our worst fears,” said Josh Tabish, OpenMedia’s Campaigns Manager. “For years we’ve warned that the excessive secrecy around the TPP would lead to an agreement that ignored Internet users, artists, and creators in favour of laws that benefit only the giant media conglomerates. Now that we know just how bad the TPP really is, we’ll be redoubling our efforts to put a stop to this costly Internet censorship plan.”

Internet users are calling on TPP governments to reject the deal at https://StopTheSecrecy.net

About OpenMedia

OpenMedia is an award-winning community-based organization that safeguards the possibilities of the open Internet. We work toward informed and participatory digital policy by engaging hundreds of thousands of people in protecting our online rights.

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Contact

Josh Tabish

Campaigns Manager, OpenMedia

+1 (888) 441-2640 ext. 3

[email protected]