ACTA threatens consumer rights

The CBC published an article regarding the worldwide Anti-Counterfeiting Treaty Agreement and the consumer rights issues it would be opposing. Consumer advocate groups believe that this agreement should be opened up to public discussion. These groups include: Public Knowledge, Canadian Internet Policy and Public Interest Clinic (CIPPIC), Quebec's Union des consommateurs, and more.

Even though Tony Clement claimed the treaty agreement would not affect government law in Canada, Michael Geist claimed that Canada will be under intense pressure to accept and enforce the treaty agreement policies.

Leaked documents from the Anti-Counterfeiting Treaty Agreement negotiations display that internet service providers (ISPs) would be allowed to monitor customers and criminalize certain behaviour, thus posing a threat to consumer rights and net neutrality. It would give ISPs too much control. This treaty agreement should be open to public discussion.

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