Since the massive protests in response to SOPA and PIPA, I have been keeping track of proposed tech-related laws in anticipation of SOPA clone. A number of bills have been proposed recently, and I was wondering if any of them represents a serious threat to the internet as we know it.
The good news is that SOPA and PIPA had an effect: lawmakers are listening. They have clearly tailored their proposed legislation in ways that focus on “cybersecurity” rather than copyright, leaving the structure of the internet and the tech industry alone as much as possible. In one case a bill was revised in response to concerns that were raised.
Here’s the catch: we need to keep them on their toes! Check out the resources at the end if you value the internet and free speech.
Category Archives: Censorship
Day of Anti-ACTA Protest
Just a quick note: Today protests are breaking out across the world to stop ACTA, an international treaty that mirrors the dangers of SOPA and PIPA. I’ve covered those topics here in the past.
For more info on ACTA and ways to take action, visit Fight For The Future’s Kill ACTA campaign.
What Is The “Great Firewall Of China”?
Seeing Red, by 'burnt out Impurities' on flickr
The “Great Firewall of China” refers to government censorship of electronic communication in China. This includes monitoring and censoring user-generated content, websites, emails, and texts. People have been locked up for sending a text or email. Scary, right?
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SOPA Update
Worst. Game. Ever.
Much has happened since the massive online protests against SOPA and PIPA on Weds. Jan. 18th. My very own Senator Marco Rubio withdrew his support of PIPA, and SOPA and PIPA have both been tabled for the moment. Yet, the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement, aka ACTA, poses the same dangers as SOPA and PIPA on an international scope. Most disturbingly of all, the recent shutting down of megaupload.com was done without SOPA, PIPA, or ACTA.
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SOPA Hurts Us All
Outrage about SOPA has been all over the internet since it’s proposal two months ago. It’s a bill that, if passed, will destroy the internet as we know it.
No joke.
(Even WordPress News agrees.)
This historical decision will be made, for better or worse, in the very near future.
And it will affect you no matter who you are:
Teachers, students, musicians, artists, gamers, developers/IT folks, activists, journalists, parents, bloggers, and anyone else who uses the internet!
Read more to find out how, and what you can do.