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Google Faces Backlash After it Throws Support Behind TPP Agreement

Google has thrown its support behind the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement, angering some of its users who oppose the controversial trade agreement.

According to a post on its public policy blog, Google SVP and general counsel Kent Walker says that trade agreements like the TPP “are beginning to recognize the internet’s transformative impact on trade” and while it isn’t perfect and the trade negotiation process “could certainly benefit from greater transparency” Google believes the TPP’s “balanced copyright provisions can be a force for good.”

“The TPP provides strong copyright protections, while also requiring fair and reasonable copyright exceptions and limitations that protect the Internet. It balances the interests of copyright holders with the public’s interest in the wider distribution and use of creative works — enabling innovations like search engines, social networks, video recording, the iPod, cloud computing, and machine learning. The endorsement of balanced copyright is unprecedented for a trade agreement,” Google said.

Google said that the TPP requirement of the 12 participating countries that allows cross-border transfers of information and prohibits them from requiring local storage of data will make it more difficult for TPP countries to block internet sites.

Critics call the TPP “NAFTA on steroids” and say the agreement could force sites to remove content that allegedly infringes on copyright without a court order, punish internet users who share copyrighted material, and put restrictive limits on “Fair Use”.

“So, the ‘don’t be evil’ era at Google is officially over? I am extremely disappointed that Google would take this stance,” said an anonymous user in the top comment on Google’s blog post outlining its stance, referencing a slogan that Google used to include in its Code of Conduct.

Here are other organizations and tech companies that support the TPP:

  • Internet Association
  • Information Technology Industry Council
  • Business Software Alliance
  • Semiconductor Industry Association
  • Silicon Valley Leadership Group
  • TechNet
  • Tech CEO Council
  • Telecommunications Industry Association
  • Software & Information Industry Association

And hundreds of technology companies that oppose it, including GlowHost, Golden Frog and Minerva Hosting.

It will be interesting to see if Google responds to critics and backtracks its decision. For now it seems to be holding steady.

Source: TheWHIR