UN Broadcasting Treaty May Restrict Speech

ashshy writes "A UN treaty under proposal could lead to unprecedented restrictions on free speech and fair use rights around the world. Ars Technica pulls together what you need to know from multiple sources." From the article: "The proposed broadcasting treaty would create entirely new global rights for broadcasting companies who have neither created nor own the programming. What's even more alarming is the proposal from the United States that the treaty regulate the Internet transmission of audio and video entertainment. It is dangerous and inappropriate for an unelected international treaty body to undertake the task of creating entirely new rights, which currently exist in no national law, such as webcasting rights and anti-circumvention laws related to broadcasting."

Comments

Re:A lesson on how the UN feels about your rights

[pete6677]

I'm just relieved that the UN has as little power as it does. Imagine what a mess they would make if they were empowered to do more than just pass resolutions.

Re:The UN is just so 20th century

[tinkerghost]

Le't hope America doesn't decide it want to go it alone so it can become the asshole/bully of the world -- though we see shades of that now.
I think it's too late for that --- Bush already took us down that road.
[waves to the nice HS officer reading the post][meta style='mocking' content='offensive' text='hopehediesofapapercutrippingupthebillofright s']