Internet Industry Association

The IIA is pleased that the negotiations on the Anti-Counterfeit Trade Agreement (ACTA) are almost concluded and the text has been released.

"While we have previously voiced reservations about the lack of transparency of the ACTA process, the end result is consistent with assurances we obtained from Australia's trade negotiators - that the treaty was not intended to extend Australia's laws, nor to introduce a three strikes regime by treaty", IIA Chief Executive, Peter Coroneos, said.

"Australia has some of the strongest copyright laws in the world. These strike a balance between the interests of content and carriage sectors and, of course, users themselves."

"Subject to reviewing the final ACTA text, the IIA takes comfort from our initial reading that it will neither extend nor restrict the legal rights of users, ISPs, other intermediaries or content rights holders in Australia".

"ACTA sets a multi-country standard for copyright enforcement and the IIA supports the right of digital content owners to protect their originally created intellectual property.

The IIA also believes that in the growing digital economy new business models will emerge to balance consumer access to services with the rights of content owners and these new models will provide exciting new opportunities for consumers, content originators and content distributors.

The Government's commitment to full public and parliamentary scrutiny prior to ratifying any final new ACTA treaty is also welcomed and accords with the recommendation made in IIA's pre-election policy Manifesto.

About the IIA

The Internet Industry Association (www.iia.net.au) provides policy input to government and advocacy on a range of business and regulatory issues, to promote laws and initiatives for a faster, safer, fairer and more trusted internet for Australia.