Google Trumpets not-Perfect TPP, Seeks More Transparency in Negotiations

Google thinks the Trans-Pacific Partnership promotes the free flow of information in “unprecedented” ways for a binding international trade agreement, balances the interests of copyright holders and public’s interest of creative works, and bans discrimination against foreign internet services, General Counsel Kent Walker wrote in a blog post. Small businesses will especially benefit from these elements of the agreement, but future agreements should include “more balancing provisions,” and “all stakeholders” should be allowed to provide input in future trade negotiations, Walker said Friday. U.S. Congress members and some transparency and other advocates have said TPP wasn't transparently negotiated, and Wikileaks had a campaign to release the text before governments did. "The TPP is not perfect, and the trade negotiation process could certainly benefit from greater transparency," Walker wrote. "We will continue to advocate for process reforms, including the opportunity for all stakeholders to have a meaningful opportunity for input into trade negotiations."