The ever increasing copyright infringement and digital thefts through the internet and its far reaching consequences has raised many eyebrows. In its attempt to stop online piracy, US has introduced the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) on Thursday which seeks to effectively block copyright infringing websites, or rouge websites, as they as often referred to by making them invisible from the internet.
The Bill, with the web blocking portions, known as the E Parasite Act, is a long cherished dream of major copyright holders and is intended to curb online piracy and infringement. To quote Rep. Lamar Smith, who heads the House Judicial Committee, “the measure will help stop the flow of revenue to rogue Web sites and ensures that the profits from American innovations go to American innovators.”
Unlike the Protect IP Act, a related Bill, the new Bill seeks to expressly define search engines, ensures that foreign websites are on a different footing with the US websites and imposes stringent provisions to prosecute not- for- profit copyright infringements. If comes into effect, the individuals or organizations whose copyright have been infringed, will be able to effectively block any website they suspect of infringing their rights by merely sending complaints to internet providers, advertisers and search engines operating in the US. These operators will in turn stop doing business with the site in question. The Bill has strong support from the Film and Music industry as they believe that the SOPA proposes to strengthen the notion of “Internet Death Penalty” which was earlier introduced by the Protect IP Act. Many opine that the Bill will have a positive impact in promoting creativity and innovation. Howard Berman, a Democrat, who co-sponsored the legislation, stated it is "an important next step in the fight against digital theft and sends a strong message that the United States will not waiver in our battle to protect America's creators and innovators”.
Nevertheless, the Bill is not free from criticisms. According to Rep. Zoe Lofgren, a Democrat from California, the Bill would mean the end of the internet. Many human rights activists have also expressed their concern on the same. They argue that the Bill could be used to stifle free speech and expression. The Electronic Frontier System calls the Bill "disastrous", because it would force changes to the Domain Name System and effectively create a blacklist of Internet domains suspected of intellectual property violations. Google Chairman Eric Schmidt, trade associations representing Web Companies and civil liberty groups have raised strong opposition against the Bill. Recently, the whistleblower website wilikeaks was forced to stop publishing news owing to financial blockade by payment services and banks. A hearing on the Bill is due on November 16.
Author: Aruna Mukundd
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