Congress has announced that it wants to create a bill that will attempt to stop piracy on the Internet and protect copyrighted content. How? The Protect IP bill would allows the entertainment industry to "block access to infringing domain names" and to "cut off funds to infringing websites." This basically means that sites with pirated content can be blocked and/or sued.
The Protect IP bill might help the entertainment industry, but it may also cripple the Internet's freedom. Sites like YouTube may be blocked because of pirated content. This means that even if one person on websites like these posts a pirated video, the whole site could be sued and/or shut down. The bill also gives a lot of power to the entertainment industry, whose sole purpose is to make money. Remember, unlike democratic government, that represents the opinions of the majority, private corporations represent themselves. So, basically, this bill gives non-government groups the power of the Internet. Sounds dangerous, if I say so myself.
Personally, I think this bill shouldn't be passed. Although at first this bill seems like a good idea, the Internet is just too open to be able to block specific sites without messing up other ones. The Internet may lose stability if this law is passed, which could mess up many sites, innocent or guilty. Though this bill is meant to affect only US-based sites, other countries could follow in the USA's path, and the entire Internet would be universally censored. Do we really want that?
Many websites are trying to fight back. Just type in "Internet censor bill," and a bucket load of protesting blogs and forums appear. The USA believes in the right to free speech, yet the government is trying to allow censorship. Sound hypocritical? If you want to express your feelings to Congress, simply join in some of the blogs that discuss the idea or sign a petition being sent to Congress right now. If we can stop Congress from passing the Protect IP bill, the Internet will be better off. I believe in free speech. Do you?
This blog is very informative, I did not know that the US government is trying to pass a bill that is trying to censor the internet. You went into detail about the facts and your opinions. This blog made me think about how freedom of speech is so important. You also supported your opinions with logical reasons. Another thing I thought you did a great job was you explained the dangers that could come along with the government censoring the internet.Great job this really made me think about our rights.
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