Must Reads

• Why ACTA Could Be As Bad As SOPA

  Alexander Furnas explains in the Atlantic why the broader implications of ACTA may make it as bad as SOPA. Furnas notes "while many of the alarmists specific claims are inaccurate, ACTA exposes the systemic danger in how international intellectual property regulation has evolved over the last 20 years."
  Feb.07/12Comments (0)

• Czech Republic, Slovakia Suspend ACTA Ratification

  The Czech Republic and Slovakia have joined Poland in suspending ratification of the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement in response to mounting protests over the agreement. Feb.07/12Comments (0)

• Much Ado About Panic

  Kris Kotarski writes an opinion piece in the Calgary Herald that calls attention to the lobby panic that leads to legislation like SOPA and ACTA. Feb.07/12Comments (0)

• Copyright bills protect 'old media'

  The National Post featured an op-ed from Jesse Kline over the weekend that notes "the essential question that must be addressed going forward is whether government regulation is needed to protect industries that have failed to innovate." He says the answer is no. Feb.07/12Comments (2)

• "Surrender Sovereignty Over Copyright Law"

  John Ibbitson discusses the implications for Canada of joining the Trans Pacific Partnership, noting it would likely include surrendering Canadian sovereignty over copyright law. A reminder that the government is currently consulting on the TPP. Details on the agreement and participating here, here, and here. Feb.06/12Comments (0)

• No Internet Lock-Down

  Open Media has launched a new campaign against copyright reforms that threaten digital rights including the prospect of website blocking, Internet termination, and digital locks. Feb.06/12Comments (0)

• ACTA Protests Escalate Throughout Europe

  AccessNow is maintaining an excellent map of the protests planned across the continent on February 11th, which has been designated an international day of action against ACTA. The issue has attracted mainstream media attention (eg. New York Times) and questions emerge about the likelihood the treaty will receive the necessary approvals for ratification. Feb.06/12Comments (0)

• Ubisoft Games Won't Work This Week

  Entertainment software giant Ubisoft, who the Ontario government gave $263 million in 2009 to create 80 jobs per year over 10 years (or $328,750 per job), has advised its customers that its games may not work sometime this week due to its reliance on digital locks and the migration of data servers.
  Feb.06/12Comments (4)

• Rogers Announces Plans To Drop Internet Throttling This Year

  Last week Rogers advised the CRTC that it plans to drop Internet throttling for all customers by the end of the year. The move was not unexpected given that its policy was an outlier among all major Canadian ISPs. I'll have more to say on this development soon. Feb.06/12Comments (1)

• Canadian Pharma: High Prices, Low Research & Development

  The Globe's Jeffrey Simpson has an excellent column on the state of big pharma in Canada, noting that Canadians pay high prices for pharmaceuticals but that big pharma has not met its commitment to devote 10 percent of sales to research and development.  Prices would increase further with potential legal reforms in the Canada - EU Trade Agreement. Feb.06/12Comments (0)