THE debate: Content providers vs. Internet companies
Logically, protecting intellectual property is very important, especially in an age where ideas and intellectual concepts have become more valuable than their physical products. Content providers like the Motion Picture Association of America estimate between millions and billions of revenue losses each year due to copyright infringement by foreign websites. The argument goes that revenue losses hurt the intellectual property employment sector and therefore cost jobs.
On the flip side, Internet companies argue that start-up websites would not be able to handle the costs associated with the legal repercussions of the legislation. Because of the relatively vague wording in the legislation, the Attorney General would effectively have the power to engage in direct censorship against any website that is perceived to be engaging in copyright infringement. PIPA, for instance, give the Attorney General’s office the power to use a temporary restraining order, a preliminary injunction, or an injunction against even non-domestic websites. The most contentious opposition argument is that these decisions are made without due process, giving the Federal government too much direct power and too little checks to operate within.
Why the Branding Iron stands in opposition to SOPA, PIPA
While it is a content provider, the Branding Iron sees government censorship as one of the vilest threats to freedom and education. While copyright needs protection, citizens should never be forced into suffering censorship for the benefit of multi-billion industries.
As the legislation stands right now, it is too much of a slippery slope. One of the reasons the Internet has been such a success story includes the open way in which material–copyrighted or not–is quickly shared. Such movements as the Arab Spring would not have been possible, were it not for this unrestricted nature. Furthermore, something known as a “chill effect” would course through blogging sites. This “chill” refers to the threat of being sued, which in turn would cause bloggers to start censoring themselves.
Free speech and communication is a vital part to the American way of life. In the past, the U.S. has labeled countries such as China, Iran and North Korea as “oppressive” for restricting content from its citizens. Essentially, access to unrestricted information furthers freedom and if education is freedom, then why limit both?
Take Action: How you can make a difference
Take action: How you can make a difference
The Branding Iron encourages Wyoming residents, and especially Wyoming students, to contact their representatives and remind them that they should vote in favor of the American citizen’s freedom.
Furthermore, the Branding Iron encourages our Wyoming representatives to cast their votes wisely. SOPA and PIPA are a clear move toward government censorship. This issue is not to be confused as a political party camp, since liberals, as well as Tea Party representatives, voiced their complete opposition to the bills.
Make the Call
If you are a Wyoming
resident, call your senators and representatives to tell them how you feel about SOPA and PIPA.
Rep. Cynthia Lummis
Phone: 202-225-2311
Twitter: @CynthiaLummis
Sen. Michael Enzi
Phone: 202-224-3424
Twitter: @SenatorEnzi
Sen. John Barrasso
Phone: 202-224-6441
Twitter: @SenJohnBarrasso
If you are not a Wyoming resident, you can contact your own state’s representative using the QR code to find out who represents you.