US citizens: Let the USTR know today that you oppose draconian copyright
There's only a few hours couple of days left to submit your comments to the US Trade
Representative opposing export of draconian copyright restrictions to
other countries.
Historically, this "Special 301" comment process has been used to complain about the lack of "intellectual property" enforcement in other countries. But we can use it instead to highlight the ways in which copyright restrictions hurt free software and undermine the public's freedom. We can also criticize the way the USTR frames the issue in terms of "intellectual property," muddling distinct legal issues together in a way that serves particular greedy interests -- see http://gnu.org/philosophy/not-ipr.html. And we can use it as an opportunity to warn against secret attempts like ACTA to export these problems.
To explain the problems with copyright law and what goals we should actually be trying to achieve, you might find http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/misinterpreting-copyright.html helpful.
The FSF will be submitting a comment of our own, and we'll be publishing that shortly. But don't wait to send yours! Update: We've posted our comment.
Here are the official instructions for submitting comments:
ADDRESSES: All written comments, requests to testify, and hearing statements should be sent electronically via http:// www.regulations.gov, docket number USTR-2010-0003. Submissions should contain the term "2010 Special 301 Review" in the Type comment & Upload file field on http://www.regulations.gov.
They must be sent by 5pm Eastern today, February 16th! Thursday, February 18th! After submitting your comment, please also send us a copy at campaigns@fsf.org, so we can publish it if the USTR does not do so.
