ACTA (Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement) - it's not a joke. The internet just got a whole lot colder. Here's what it could do:

The picture itself (not made by me) is old (the treaty is currently in its 9th round of negotiations, in Mexico), but that's pretty much what will happen to the internet if it gets passed. Once this goes up, say goodbye to:

- Youtube (And other user-based sites like it)
- Open Wi-fi (Starbucks, Borders, etc.)
- Any and all user-generated content (Fanart, sheet music/tabs, etc.)

ISPs will be given the right to take down anything "that could potentially be a copyright violation," and since pretty much anything on the internet could fall under that category in one way or another, they could take down whatever they wanted. If anyone were to file a report claiming that something on the internet is violating a copyright, the ISP is required to take it down without further question.

They'll be in control of what we do, what we read and what we say.

lol, Did anyone read that book 1984?

It hasn't reached news stations yet because all these negotiations have been held in secret, which is funny when you consider how much Obama preached about "public involvement" and "transparency." Anyway, I didn't write this so I could argue with someone about politics, because I don't care much for politics as long as they don't interfere too heavily with my life.

Call me crazy, call me whatever you want, but this is most likely going to happen unless people do something about it. I mean, down with piracy! and all that nice jibber jabber, but I'd rather not have my rights violated in the process.

Thought I'd blog about it to spread the word. I'd encourage you to tell others too if you feel so inclined to do so.