DUBLIN -- While walking around the ICT Expo in Ballsbridge, I discovered few techies who understood and appreciated the level of digital cluelessness embedded to the Irish presidency of the EU. The deft (pronounced "daft" in Irish) Irish presidency passed the "IPR Enforcement Directive" to deal with "IPR infringement." This measure was championed by Janelly Fourtou, the wife of the CEO of Vivendi Universal. It has now been approved by the EU Council. It ranks as one of the lowest moments of European politics this year.
The EFFI lists MEPs on "the ship of fools." The list includes several Irish politicians who seem to be totally oblivious to the draconian powers of the new directive. The next step--member states must implement this directive no later than June 2006.
EFFI -- "IPR Enforcement Directive"
Justin Mason -- "Politics"
EFFI -- "Software Patent Debate"
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