What is SOPA and PIPA ?
The Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Protect IP Act (PIPA) are two bills that sound like they have a mildly positive aim but, in reality, have serious potential to negatively change the internet as we know it. While the Obama administration has come out against SOPA, effectively shelving it indefinitely, the very similar PIPA bill is still alive and well. Both SOPA and PIPA put power in the hands of the entertainment industry to censor sites that allegedly "engage in, enable or facilitate" copyright infringement. This language is vague enough to target sites you use every day, like Facebook and Google, making these bills a serious problem. Here's what you need to know about the bills and what you can do about them.
What Can I Do About SOPA and PIPA?
Currently Twitter, Google, Reddit, Kickstarter, Tumblr, Mozilla, Yahoo, AOL, eBay, Zynga, Facebook, and several other sites have spoken out in opposition of SOPA and PIPA. In fact, many sites are censoring their logos (e.g. Google) or completely taking down their sites (e.g. Wikipedia) in protest on January 18th, 2012. There is incredible opposition to these bills because they don't just affect users like you, or small startups, but even very large companies with a large stake in the great things the internet and modern technology have to offer. If you'd like to join in your protest, there are a few things you can do.
First, call your congressperson on the phone. This is especially important if you live in a state with SOPA and/or PIPA supports or sponsors. Nonetheless, if your congresspeople do notsupport these bills you should still contact them to voice your support for their position.
Second, get the word out. Post this article, the American Censorship Day web site, or any other information about SOPA/PIPA on your social media accounts. Send emails to friends and family. If you oppose the bill, help others to understand why you believe they should oppose and encourage them to read more so they can make an informed choice.
Let's End the Fight and Start a Discussion
Finally, if you know a supporter or person in favor of SOPA and/or PIPA, have an open discussion. Myself and many others believe that the root of this problem stems from a lack of communication on both sides. Despite what my articles may suggest, I'm not a supporter of piracy. I do believe there is a compromise that both sides can reach with enough discussion, education, and understanding. It's important to remember that both the supporters and opposers of SOPA and PIPA have legitimate concerns. This should not be a fight but rather a cooperative discussion to find a solution. Whichever side you're on, please encourage a conversation that will move us towards change that is good for everyone rather than extreme measures that won't help anyone.
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Comments (13)
Shane Martin10
Make The Most Of Digital Photo Printing
Rules must be such that it dose not hamper the social and economic growth of an individual, business or community at large. SOPA includes such amendments that are not good for the development as whole, and social networking and web world at large have opposed it in their own way. This is a good article to show our protest.
Fariz Fajar4
SGT.
I think this only soap operas played by the FBI and looking for profits XD lol
but I do not care about all that
let SOPA and PIPA lost like a feather blown by the wind
Elektrabookstore Onl...3
Electronic and Book Store Online
I hate SOPA. because it will turn off the information, no freedom of expression,
Rosyel S.10
Financial Advisor, Blogger
very informative.. thank you for this! I learned something new today.
Marko S.11
Web Presence Provider
Against SOPA and PIPA acts, for sure. The Internet must be FREE!
Vishwajeet Kumar14
Blogger
I totally agree with Pamela. This is just ridiculous.
Pamela B.5
Affiliate Marketer
Great article. I believe this is a money thing. the govt wants control and to line their pockets
Kenny Fabre6
Entrepreneur
great info I this sopa thing is ridiculous
Luqman Sulyman7
web Designer, Resarcher, I.T Consultant.
this is a great info.thanks.
Otoabasi Umonting7
Marketing Consultant & Coach
The people passing these laws want more control. I'm also against piracy, but when bills are being passed in order to thwart the efforts of legitimate businesses, then that becomes a problem. I agree with you here, there's need to reach a compromise. Thanks for sharing.
Kholid Anwar A.4
Blogger
great post thanks for info
Vishwajeet Kumar14
Blogger
I am also against This SOPA & PIPA Laws, These are just disgusting.
Gillian G.8
INTERNET MARKETER
Thank you for such great information.