Basically, the current version of the legislation is designed to stop online piracy and protect the rights of record and movie companies; which is a good thing. Piracy is a problem, although the provisions in the bill don't really seem to address the issue at all. If the bill passes, websites will be shut down if they have any links that go to any infringed content. This means YouTube videos, sharing a song on Facebook or on a webpage. If a site is found with even just a couple of infringed links, the government can shut them down completely.
In addition, the bill gives that government the right to block certain sites from being accessed without ever having to prove any real copyright infringement first. This is a huge problem for many of the people who are opposing the bill. The concern is that it will change the internet. Instead of it being a place where people can express controversial opinions and have lively debate, it will become a monitored, pay for use situation and anything that is controversial will just be blocked.
The idea isn't too far fetched. Already many countries have restrictions on internet use and block many sites from being accessed. In addition, web start up companies will be hesitant to enter the market for fear of facing prosecution if anyone posts an infringing link.
If this is all confusing to you, here is a video from AmericanCensorship.org that breaks the debate down:
Many large websites are protesting this Act. Reddit will be blacking out their site on January 18th, and many other sites are joining in the protest. No matter where you stand on the issue, this bill has the potential to change the way we use the internet, so you need to be informed.
What do you think about this proposed bill? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
By Melissa Kennedy- Melissa is a 9 year blog veteran and a freelance writer for PhillyJobsBlog and Beyond.com, along with helping others find the job of their dreams, she enjoys computer geekery, raising a teenager, supporting her local library, writing about herself in the third person and working on her next novel.
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