I have heard about SOPA and PIPA for quite some time now but to be honest, I was only listening with one ear and not really sure what to make of it until a friend explained the whole concept.
SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) in the House of Representatives and PIPA (Protect Intellectual Property Act) in the Senate are meant to restrict access to websites that daub in illegal content and sham entertainment related products, such as movies and music.
Companies such as entertainment, publishing, pharmaceutical and other industry groups were in favor of this legislation as online piracy is killing their business, costing them billions every year.
However, technology related companies say that those laws would seriously compromise the freedom to use the internet. They also do not see how the government would make sure that only the illegal sites are cracked down. And due to this flaw, it would definitely lead to unnecessary lawsuits. Many other companies echoed this saying the legislation could jeopardize business models of legit web-based companies.
In the wake of such a controversial legislation, many media related popular sites have been quick to react. On Wednesday the 18th of January 2012, Wikipedia, Reddit and other websites decided to go dark for 24 hours as a sign of protestation. Google, Facebook, Twitter and others were against this proposed law but did not shut down.
I for one realized the importance of protesting against such legislation when I tried to access Wikipedia on that day, as this is how the internet could look very soon. Such sites as Wikipedia are an important source of information in our everyday lives and I cannot imagine having to do without them.
All this wave of disapproval has had its effect as on Friday the 20th of January 2012, US lawmakers put a stop to SOPA and PIPA which delighted the online community and its protestors to the bills.
Reddit.com was amongst the sites to go black and said they were happy that the objection shown to this legislation was able to put a halt to it. But they added that online piracy still needs to be addressed but in a more streamlined manner.
The vote has been rescheduled to the 24th of January 24 after the wave of protests.
As for Lamar Smith, the Republican chairman of the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee, who had proposed the legislation, he said it has been delayed pending all parties come to an understanding on the matter.
SOPA and PIPA are due to rise from the dead soon. However, they will be more accepted by all, should they have set rules and regulations as the aim is to crack down illegal sites. Therefore, there is a need for clear definitions as to which is considered as a rogue site. As for popular sites, Wikipedia, Google et al, they form part of our online world. And most important, they feed us with information. So, if they are to disappear one day, we will feel lost. I know I would.
Written by Wendy for Online Casinos Gambling