The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and the country’s internet service providers (ISPs) have agreed to jointly set up a streamlined mechanism for swift blocking of pirated sites.
But while some ISPs are open to the proposal for the IPOPHL to have the authority to issue a blocking order, others see the need for an enabling law that will institutionalize this authority.
At present, NTC has to validate IPOPHL’s order after it verifies complaint from the concerned IP right holder regarding piracy.
IPOPHL said this process can add days to a matter that ideally requires real-time blocking.
IPOPHL, NTC and ISPs that include Globe Telecom, Inc., Smart Communications Inc., PLDT Inc., Sky Cable Corp., Converge ICT Solutions Inc. and DITO Telecommunity Corp. are poised to sign memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will lay down a clear-cut inter-coordination protocol for the site blocking process.
An effective protocol can effect the blocking in two hours once an order is received from NTC.
ISPs said a well-coordinated mechanism will also prevent the shutting down of “false positives” or legitimately law abiding sites, and ensure that the freedom of citizens to access these sites is preserved.
Various bills are being consolidated by the House of Representatives’ Committee on Trade and Industry to amend the IP Code which among other things will expand of IP Rights Enforcement Office’s administrative enforcement powers to issue blocking orders, which will be acted upon immediately by the NTC.
