Kuala Krai MP Mohd Hatta Ramli says that under the TPPA, Internet service providers can wrongfully remove copyrighted online content without facing the repercussion of their acts.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Internet could face widespread censorship under the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) as Internet service providers (ISPs) would be free to remove copyrighted online content without having to face the music, warned Amanah lawmaker Mohd Hatta Ramli.
Speaking at a press conference at Parliament today, he said, “It (TPPA) clearly states that the ISP is not liable in the event that it wrongfully removes content that does not infringe on copyright laws.
“This could potentially allow widespread Internet censorship.”
Mohd Hatta disclosed that the free trade agreement also extended the duration of copyright protection from 50 years after the creator’s death to 70 years.
“This provision would prevent creators and artists from accessing, remixing, or recreating existing material for an unnecessarily long period of time, which will only benefit American entertainment companies who will receive a windfall in royalties from consumers for an additional 20 years,” he said.
Criticising the agreement for having rewritten the rules of the Internet, he said, “Its provisions were negotiated behind closed doors hence they were completely to the advantage of corporations.
“These provisions will not benefit the needs of the country but only allow copyright holders to win big.”
There are currently about 3.9 million youths between 15 to 24 years of age who are active Internet users, according to The Edge.
Research by the International Telecommunications Union has shown that Malaysia was the fourth highest digital society in the world in terms of active digital participation.
Meanwhile, Kelana Jaya MP Wong Chen urged Putrajaya to present the cost-benefit report of the agreement before the next Parliamentary session early next year.
“The ministers must explain to us the format of debate in Parliament because there are 30 chapters and 6000 pages to be studied,” he said.
