SOPA, the controversial bill being considered to control illegal pirating of intellectual, copyrighted material by off-shore entitites, has been withdrawn for the time being. Rep. Lamar Smith (R-TX), House Judiciary Chairman, withdrew the bill, admitting there are problems with the first draft. The LA Times quoted Smith as saying:
"I have heard from the critics and I take seriously their concerns regarding proposed legislation to address the problem of online piracy," Smith said. "It is clear that we need to revisit the approach on how best to address the problem of foreign thieves that steal and sell American inventions and products."
It is admirable of Rep. Smith to admit that he heard the critics. Since the opposition to the bill was playing out in all corners of the political spectrum with sites being blacked out in protest, it would indicate a tin ear if he didn't react. However, it is still a refreshing thing to hear a politician admit that he may have been wrong about something.
As the LA Times story indicates, this is not a defeat of the efforts, just a restructuring. Those who are concerned about governmental involvement and control of the Internet should remain cautious as future measures are unveiled.
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