THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — A spokesman for the Dutch parliament says lawmakers have adopted a motion calling on the government not to sign a controversial international treaty aimed at reining in online piracy.
Tuesday’s motion is another setback for the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement, known as ACTA, that has run into opposition around the world.
The European Union suspended efforts to ratify the treaty in February amid a storm of protest from activists who say the agreement would stifle free speech and access to information.
Lisa Neves Goncalves, a spokeswoman for the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture and Innovation, said the government had earlier this year stated it would not sign off on the treaty until it was clear it did not breach the Dutch or EU constitution.
