Critics of the controversial Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) will have their say in Wellington in a conference next month, two days ahead of the official political negotiations.

The meeting, known as PublicACTA, will offer concerned citizens the opportunity to voice their concerns over the secret negotiations which look set to radically change the way in which copyright law is enforced.

Canadian law professor and vocal critic of the ACTA treaty Michael Geist will be the keynote speaker at the event.

The results of the meeting will be provided to the New Zealand government negotiators.

“We’re going to give the public the chance to have their say – in contrast to the secrecy of the negotiation process,” says Jordan Carter, InternetNZ Policy Director.

“ACTA could affect everyone’s rights on the Internet. Proposals from some countries seek to go beyond New Zealand’s current public position. It is therefore very important that there is a forum for public discussion,” says Carter.

“The aim of PublicACTA is to raise the public’s concerns, seek improvements to the Agreement, and provide an opportunity for people to connect and discuss the issues. The output will be an agreed statement that the public and interested organisations can sign up to, to be delivered to New Zealand Government negotiators and politicians.”

PublicACTA is scheduled for Saturday, 10 April 2010. For more information on ACTA see the April issue of NetGuide, on shelves 29 March.