If you're a regular user of Google, Wikipedia, or the LOLCats website, you've most likely seen urgent messages (or entire blackouts) protesting the SOPA-PIPA act.
The bill's supporters are adamant that this law, if passed, would reduce or eliminate online piracy (downloading of songs, movies, etc. without paying for them) and would protect intellectual property. In addition, it would protect patients from buying counterfeit drugs online.
Opponents of the bill argue that the language is broad and unclear, and that the biggest supporters of the bill are able to afford lobbyists, giving major opponenets (such as Wikipedia) very little say. The bill is being rushed through Congress with very little debate. One of the outcomes of this legislation will be the loss of e-commerce jobs as major websites found to be in violation of SOPA-PIPA are shut down.
What does this mean for the average user? Sites like Youtube, Twitter, and Flickr may be permanently shut down. E-mail and internet activities will be closely monitored and censorship may become the norm.
Want to get involved? Here's how:
- Add your name to Senator Wyden's fillibuster: http://stopcensorship.org/
- Sign Google's petition: https://www.google.com/landing/takeaction/
- Call or email your representative today: http://hernandorepublicans.org/elected-officials
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