Senate and House leaders announced last week that they are postponing work on two controversial anti-piracy bills, the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the (PIPA) Protect IP Act, in the wake of large online protests that spurred some congressmen to rethink the legislation. Supporters of the bills, which include major media and entertainment companies, say their intention is to go after foreign websites that distribute unauthorized copies of software, videos, and music. Opponents in the tech industry, however, say that the language in the bills is too broad, and that they could pose a threat to free speech and stifle innovation. Also, the legislation, some claim, could give sites the difficult task of being responsible for all content or links posted by their users. Those in favor of the bill say that the laws protect content providers’ intellectual property, along with corresponding jobs and revenue.

What do you think?


Topics: