About Dear WIPO
Advocating for digital rights and internet freedom in international broadcasting policy since the early days of the treaty debate.
Our Mission
Dear WIPO exists to educate the public about how international broadcasting policy and intellectual property treaties affect digital rights, internet freedom, and access to knowledge. We believe that informed citizens are the best defense against policies that could restrict the open internet.
Our name is both an address and a statement. It is a letter to the World Intellectual Property Organization, a message from the global public that our digital rights matter. It reflects the long tradition of public petitions and open letters that have shaped international IP policy.
Dear WIPO was originally established as part of the broader civil society effort to oppose overbroad provisions in the WIPO Broadcasting Treaty, a proposed international agreement that has been under negotiation for over two decades. The site served as a platform for public petition and advocacy, amplifying the voices of those who believe the treaty, as proposed, would restrict internet freedoms.
Our Values
Open Internet
We believe the internet should remain open, decentralized, and accessible to all. International treaties should strengthen, not undermine, these principles.
Balanced Policy
Intellectual property rights serve an important purpose, but they must be balanced with the public interest. We advocate for treaties that protect both creators and users.
Public Education
Complex international negotiations should not happen behind closed doors. We work to make policy debates accessible and understandable to everyone.
Fair Access
Access to knowledge and culture is a fundamental right. We oppose policies that would restrict access to public domain works or limit fair use.
Transparency
We believe in transparent governance and open deliberation. International IP policy should be developed with meaningful public participation.
Global Perspective
Digital rights are global rights. We consider the impact of broadcasting policy on people everywhere, especially in developing nations where access to knowledge is most critical.
Our History
Dear WIPO grew out of the digital rights movement of the early 2000s, when civil society organizations first raised alarms about the WIPO Broadcasting Treaty's potential to restrict internet freedoms. At that time, the treaty proposals were extraordinarily broad, potentially covering not just traditional broadcasting but also webcasting and any transmission of content over the internet.
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and other organizations recognized that public awareness and engagement were critical to shaping the treaty's direction. Dear WIPO served as one of the platforms for this advocacy, helping to channel public concern into actionable pressure on WIPO delegations.
The advocacy effort achieved significant results. In 2007, the WIPO General Assembly narrowed the treaty's scope, excluding webcasting and directing negotiators toward a signal-based approach. While the treaty is still under negotiation, the worst provisions were rolled back thanks in large part to public engagement.
Today, Dear WIPO continues this mission of public education and advocacy. The treaty negotiations are ongoing, and vigilance remains essential. We provide accurate, accessible information about the treaty's status, its implications for digital rights, and how people can stay engaged in the process.
What We Do
Educate
We break down complex international IP negotiations into understandable language. Our goal is to make broadcasting policy accessible to everyone, not just lawyers and diplomats.
Analyze
We provide in-depth analysis of treaty proposals, identifying how specific provisions could affect digital rights, fair use, public domain access, and internet freedom.
Advocate
We advocate for balanced broadcasting policy that protects both the legitimate interests of broadcasters and the fundamental rights of internet users.
Connect
We connect concerned citizens with the organizations and resources they need to make their voices heard in international policy discussions.
Get in Touch
Have questions about the WIPO Broadcasting Treaty or digital rights? Want to contribute to our mission? We would love to hear from you.
hello@dearwipo.com