Double Trouble
by davidameyer
The Internet is abuzz with news of the Stop Online Privacy Act (SOPA) and the Protect IP Act (PIPA), twin bills currently up for discussion in the the U.S. Congress.
The general consensus among the tech community is that these bills are heavy-handed responses to the issue of software and media piracy, which could potentially limit the freedoms of Internet users while promoting broad powers of censorship for the government. These freedoms, of course, are not confined within the borders of the United States. It’s called the World Wide Web for a reason and consternation is high overseas.
I have mixed feelings about the issue. The bills, as written, reach much too far. But I also believe piracy is a prevalent, worldwide moral issue. Overzealous legislation is the wrong path to follow. Pirating software, music and movies is the wrong thing to do. There is a middle ground somewhere in there. Let us find it.
As an American citizen, let your voice be heard. The [Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF)] has a handy page set up that will deliver a pre-fabricated message to your representatives in opposition to these bills.
Interestingly, some major web sites are shuttering operations today to illustrate what the Internet might be like should SOPA and PIPA be passed. Below are some screenshots of those sites’ front pages. I am not sure how effective this course of action is, but it certainly brings attention to the issue.
Google:
Wikipedia:
Boing Boing:
Iconfactory:
Sixgun Productions:
