Global noose tightens on copyright
Financial Times story.

A landmark international treaty reinforcing the protection of copyright in cyberspace comes into force on Wednesday amid controversy in the US and Europe over whether tougher copyright rules stimulate or inhibit creativity on the internet.

The copyright treaty, negotiated by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (Wipo) in 1996, and a sister treaty protecting sound recordings that comes into effect in May update copyright law for the digital age.

They have added some controversial features, which have already led to a string of legal challenges in the US, one of the first countries to introduce implementing legislation.

The treaties outlaw attempts to circumvent encryption and other techniques designed to prevent unauthorised copying and ensure royalties are paid.