Guys, ACTA does not go into effect tomorrow, nor is a vote happening tomorrow. While the petition on AccessNow is, I’m sure, an extremely impressive benchmark (100,000, guys, we did it!) we don’t need 100,000 signatures or 150,000 or whatever number they’ll adjust it to when they hit 150,000 (as they should, because they’re trying to drum up support, and numbers breed urgency.)
On Thursday, January 26th, 2012, the Polish government is planning to ratify ACTA. There were, as you might expect, protests—intense ones—and you should definitely contact your government if you are Polish. According to a member of the European Parliament, discussions on ACTA in the EU will start on the first of March, and while the EU did initially promise to ratify ACTA, severe doubts have been raised by EU committees. Continuing to quote Marietje Schaake, member of the European Parliament:
TL;DR: Important dates for ACTA in the European Parliament:
- 29 February/1 March: Discussion in international trade committee,
- April or May: Vote in international trade committee,
- 12, 13 or 14 June: Final vote in plenary (most important vote).
Okay, that’s it! Please do consider signing the petition as this is still super important!
