EU rejects ACTA anti-piracy treaty

The European Parliament has overwhelmingly defeated the international Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA), after fears that it would limit Internet freedom mobilised broad opposition across Europe.

The vote yesterday was 39 in favor, 478 against, with 165 abstentions. The defeat means that, as far as the EU is concerned, the treaty is dead though other countries may participate. A spokesman for the European Commission said it may try again after it obtains a court ruling on whether the agreement violates fundamental EU rights. Supporters said ACTA was needed to standardise international laws that protect IP rights. Opponents feared it would lead to censorship and loss of privacy on the Internet.AP