Abstract
This paper researches the ethics case study of the anti-piracy bills US Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) & Protect IP (PIPA). It will discuss the supporters’ argument that the bills will enable copyright holders to take a firmer stance against copyright violations in the United States. As well as the opponents argument that it could potentially restrict freedom of speech and fundamentally change the Internet experience. This paper will also provide our opinion on how to address anti-piracy without endangering free speech and free information flow.
Introduction
In May 2011, Senator Patrick Leahy introduced the Protect IP Act to Senate with the bipartisan support of eleven…show more content… PIPA also provides for a DNS filtering system that would allow the government to divert users from accused websites. SOPA provides steep penalties for websites that knowingly distribute infringing content. According to Stephanie Condon’s article supporters believe, “The bills are intended to strengthen protections against copyright infringement and intellectual property theft.” (Condon cbsnews.com) With both of these acts implemented, the piracy rate in the United States would decrease and websites would be more careful about copyright and patent infringement. According to PIPA, anyone convicted of piracy would face up to 5 years in prison which would make US citizens think twice about downloading a film or other media file illegally. Proponents of the bill argue that innovation and jobs in content-creating industries are threatened by growing Internet piracy. According to supporters every website will follow regulation imposed by the government so scams and other fraudulent activities will be…show more content… According to an article by Peter Eckersley and Parker Higgins the letter states, “If enacted, either of these bills will create an environment of tremendous fear and uncertainty for technological innovation, and seriously harm the credibility of the United States in its role as a steward of key Internet infrastructure.“ (Eckersley, Higgins eff.org) Representative Darrell Issa is opposed to the legislation and has introduced an alternative -- the Online Protection and Enforcement of Digital Trade (OPEN) Act. The OPEN Act would make the International Trade Commission, rather than the Justice Department, responsible for policing U.S. connections to foreign rogue sites. Issa argues “Placing that responsibility in the hands of one entity, rather than the whole court system, would make the process more transparent.” (Condon
