<
https://www.techdirt.com/2022/05/31/wipo-blocks-wikimedia-chapters-as-observers-because-china-is-mad-that-theres-a-taiwanese-wikimedia-chapter/>
"Two years ago we wrote about how the Wikimedia Foundation was blocked from
gaining observer status at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)
after China objected, over some bizarre nonsense because there happens to be a
volunteer-led Wikimedia Taiwan chapter. Obviously, it makes sense for Wikimedia
to have observer status at WIPO, as excessive copyright can do serious harm to
Wikimedia and its ability to share knowledge. Even though local chapters are
independent of the larger foundation, China apparently has to punish anyone who
even hints at the fact that Taiwan is, and has been, an independent country.
A single objection is not supposed to be enough to block entrance as an
observer to WIPO, but the organization has a history of favoring some and
blocking others based on silly reasons. For example, a few years back it
rejected the Pirate Party’s application to be an observer, but did allow a
group whose mission included freeing us from space lizards’ control. Really.
In 2021, China once again objected to Wikimedia Foundation’s application, and
once again, the sniveling, spineless WIPO leaders agreed and refused to admit
the organization.
This year, rather than try again with the Wikimedia Foundation, since WIPO has
made it clear that it will not be allowed in thanks to a single “no” vote from
one country, six separate independent local chapters decided to apply instead.
The local chapters from France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Sweden, and Switzerland
each separately applied for observer status.
And, China complained about each one, so of course, WIPO rejected all six
applications."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
