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Why Be Against SOPA and PIPA Internet Censorship

PROTECT IP / SOPA Breaks The Internet from Fight for the Future on Vimeo.

The video above discusses the Senate version of the House’s Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA). In the Senate the bill is called the PROTECT IP Act (PIPA). SOPA has gotten more attention than PIPA because it was moving faster in the legislative process. But PIPA is just as dangerous, and now it is moving faster.

PIPA would give the government new powers to block Americans’ access websites that corporations don’t like. The bill lets corporations and the US government censor entire websites and cut sites off from advertising, payments and donations.

This legislation will stifle free speech and innovation, and even threaten popular web services like Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook.

The bill is scheduled for a test vote in the Senate on Jan. 24th: We need to act now to let our lawmakers know just how terrible it is. Visit http://fightforthefuture.org/pipa/ to act NOW!

Still Not Clear on SOPA & PIPA? Click on the below Infographic with Simple Explanations

SOPA PIPA Inforgraphic Explained

 

3 replies on “Why Be Against SOPA and PIPA Internet Censorship”

Update:

We’ve won for now – SOPA and PIPA were dropped by Congress – the votes we’ve been scrambling to mobilize against have been cancelled.

The largest online protest in history has fundamentally changed the game. You were heard.

#SOPA and #PIPA will likely return in some form. But when they do, we’ll be ready.

Update: Here’s the response I received from my local senator. First he explained the bill and offered this response…

“I am concerned about the current version of the bill. I have been meeting with people on all sides of the issue and hearing from many constituents. After scheduling a vote on to the PROTECT IP Act, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) announced on January 20th that Senate consideration of the bill would be postponed, citing legitimate concerns that had been raised about the bill. I think this was the right course of action given the large number of issues that have been raised. Senator Reid encouraged Senator Leahy to work with the various stakeholders to resolve their concerns with the PROTECT IP Act. I will review the revised version carefully when it is available.”

Thank you again for writing.

Sincerely,
Carl Levin

Update: Here’s another response from a different local senator:

“Thank you for contacting me about protecting the integrity and freedom of the Internet. I share your concerns.

Two bills have been introduced to address intellectual property violations on the web. One, the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) was introduced in the House of Representatives while the other, the Protect IP Act (PIPA) was introduced in the U.S. Senate. Serious concerns have been raised about both of these bills, and I will vote against both of them in their current form.

I have been a long-time champion for intellectual property laws. In the U.S. Senate, I am leading the efforts to hold countries like China accountable when they steal our patents and sell cheap, counterfeit products. These illegal practices cost us jobs and drive American companies out of business.

Unfortunately, both of the proposals as written would have unintended consequences, impacting freedom and creativity on the Internet. The web has profoundly changed our economy, and is itself a major source of innovation. In the coming months, I hope both sides can find a solution that protects American innovation while also protecting the integrity of the Internet.

Thank you again for contacting me. As always, please keep me informed about issues of concern to you and your family.”

Sincerely,

Debbie Stabenow

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