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ISP enforcement of copyrights alone "poses a serious threat to free speech on the Internet." It renders open platforms for user-generated content "economically untenable."
Caution and conservative content will replace free and open commentaries and interchanges of thoughts and ideas.
Online takedown requirements "open the door to abuse." Copyright claimants can "trump the judicial system." They can get material they find offensive removed. Even delaying its publishing strikes a serious blow to free expression.
TPP also includes a "side-letter." It's an "annexed" agreement. It binds countries to strict procedures. They let copyright owners control what's published and what's not. They become thought control gatekeepers.
These type rules "are not only bad public policy, but have the potential to impinge on national sovereignty." They'll impose non-transparency. National laws will be affected. Extrajudicial authority will be empowered.
One size fits all will bind member countries to straightjacket rules. "TPP's safe guards are not safe." They may promote extension of ISPs' secondary liability. Corporate bosses crave it. They'll have rights at the expense of online freedom.
EFF says "the UN and European Court of Justice agree." Human rights are at stake. Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights will become null and void. It states:
"Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers."
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