(Left) Wikipedia protest page. (Right) Google's censored logo.
In case you have not heard, Wikipedia and Google are taking an anti-SOPA stance today. Wiki displays a black page saying "Imagine a World Without Free Knowledge," and they shut down their site. Google has censored their logo on the search page.
SOPA, the Stop Online Piracy Act, seeks to help copyright holders and U.S. law enforcement to taking action against those who steal intellectual property, and those who counterfeit products. (SOPA is similar to 2008's Protect IP Act, or PIPA.) What is alarming many is how SOPA or PIPA could be stretched to violate free speech.
For example, if someone references a celebrity or politician in a youtube video, the person referenced would have the right to shut down the video. Any talk of anyone or anything on a blog or website would also be subjected to such enforcement by the law. In other words, it allows the government to thoroughly restrict and text, speech, and video at they see fit.
Fear of swift legality could stifle a venture capitalism. Every internet based company could be subjected to endless lawsuits over online material or content. It is the bill's vague rules for "U.S. liabilities, private rights of action, and technology mandates" that would end up with the constant monitoring of websites. This is the biggest complaint from all the technology giants. "Big Brother" rears its head again.
On the other hand, this might be a twisting of the proposed law. The goal of SOPA comes down to protecting IP. Republican Bob Goodlatte said it best, "Intellectual property is one of America's chief job creators and competitive advantages in the global marketplace, yet American inventors, authors, and entrepreneurs have been forced to stand by and watch as their works are stolen by foreign infringers beyond the reach of current U.S. laws. This legislation will update the laws to ensure that the economic incentives our Framers enshrined in the Constitution over 220 years ago—to encourage new writings, research, products and services— remain effective in the 21st century's global marketplace, which will create more American jobs."
Recently, one of my product designs was stolen by a Canadian company and sold on their website. They even used my pictures. After which, my sales dropped low, and there is nothing I can do about it. By the above law description, SOPA could block that Canadian site from displaying. According to the law, clock access to websites "dedicated to theft of U.S. property."
I believe the internet is too vast to force the complete censoring of content. Illegal downloaders will find another way. If the hackers have their way, there will be a new regulation free internet.
As of January 17, 2012 SOPA talks in congress will resume in February due to political party "retreats taking place over the next two weeks."
PIPA reaches the Senate on January 24.
Can we reschedule the blackouts?
Cabe
