A previously secret proposed digital copyright treaty, that would give immunity to ISPs that help stop violations, was released by the European Union on Wednesday.

It was reported that the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement has been under negotiation for some time. Participants in the talks include the United States, the European Commission, Australia, Canada, Japan and New Zealand.

One of the most controversial sections would encourage Internet service providers to serve as enforcers by "disabling access" to material posted in violation of copyright. The ISPs would be granted immunity from lawsuits.

Release of the text of drafts was refused by both the Bush and Obama administrations. But the European Union voted 633-13 last month to disclose the document.

It was also noted by the report that groups like the Electronic Frontier Foundation had been pressing for disclosure of the document's provisions.

He does not believe the treaty would infringe on free speech, Trade Commissioner Karel de Gucht said in a statement on the EU Web site. (With Inputs from Agencies)