SOPA Protests – What it all means?

SOPA Protests – What it all means?

January 18, 2012By Tom Wentworth Comments

SOPA

Anyone who has turned on the TV or tried to log on to some of their favorite websites have seen the news surrounding the SOPA “blackouts” protesting two pieces of legislation– the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) in the House and in the Senate, the Protect IP Act (PIPA). These bills will make it harder for sites to sell and distribute pirated copyrighted material – movie, music and physical goods.

As a connoisseur of the arts – all kinds of movies, music, gaming etc. and at the same time, a person who works in information technology, more specifically the distribution and free flow of information, I’m torn. Yes, I’ve downloaded my fair share of free music (sorry!) and yet I understand the importance of registered trademarks to a business owner who sells software licenses. Don’t get me wrong, my 1990’s alternative music roots make me an advocate of what the protestors are trying to achieve. But while the publicity the blackouts have brought visibility to the issue, those who do not understand the nuances of the issues behind the legislation have caused the pendulum to swing too far.

Our country was built on the basis of free enterprise and we must respect the law and those businesses rights to protect their assets. Yet, the real issue/opportunity is for copyright holders to embrace the new business models of the web, not cling to the old business brick and mortar models of physical media. Consumers will pay for media if it’s made available. Moreover, as our legislative bodies are moving toward finding the appropriate legislative balance, it is important that we abide by those standards that are deemed acceptable for that of the civilized society that we are -- both online and off.

What are your thoughts? Do you see creators of content holding the ultimate power over the internet?

Comments (1)

Very interesting
Posted by Kerry / January 25, 2012

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