The internet has been banding together over the last few weeks to fight the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and PROTECT IP Act (PIPA) and has just gained a very powerful ally — the White House!
In a statement responding to two petitions against the bills from the House of Representatives and the Senate, the Obama administration officials wrote:
“While we believe that online piracy by foreign websites is a serious problem that requires a serious legislative response, we will not support legislation that reduces freedom of expression, increases cybersecurity risk, or undermines the dynamic, innovative global Internet.”
Critics of both bills believe they may grant the government too much regulatory power on the internet which could result in censorship.
Clearly the White House agrees, however, they reiterate that “online piracy is a real problem that harms the American economy” and suggests the debate is far from over, continuing:
“Moving forward, we will continue to work with Congress on a bipartisan basis on legislation that provides new tools needed in the global fight against piracy and counterfeiting, while vigorously defending an open Internet based on the values of free expression, privacy, security and innovation. Again, thank you for taking the time to participate in this important process. We hope you├óΓé¼Γäóll continue to be part of it.”
Piracy is bogus, but we’d prefer they stop it in a way that doesn’t affect the creativity and free speech of millions of users who do not illegally download movies or music.
Do U support or oppose SOPA and PIPA?
[Image via WENN.]
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