(2 votes, average: 3.50 out of 5)
Loading ...Last week, the Internet clearly showed that it did not support the SOPA/PIPA bills that were before Congress. As a result of the Web blackout, Washington listened and put a delay on the bills. The topic, however, is still gaining attention.
According to intellectual property attorney Miles Feldman, the “drama is still being written.” As someone who has personally been involved with litigation involving the Black Eyed Peas, Will Smith, and others, he told us that he supported the overall purpose of SOPA and PIPA because online piracy is a serious problem. He, however, did not support the language of the bills due to their lack of clarity, which is why he is also concerned about the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA) that is sparking interest of late.
As he explained to us, finding a balance between freedom of speech and intellectual property rights is an ongoing and challenging battle. That said, he doesn’t believe that these proposals serve as effective solutions.
He told us that he would like to see the entertainment industry and the Internet community come together to create a new Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) that embraces the concept of SOPA/PIPA but that has a clause that eliminates a safe harbor for companies that are complying with the law.
What do you think of Feldman’s suggestions? Do you agree or disagree?
SOPA in Greek means shut up.
I think these attorneys and politicians should try it.
Really? He thought the desire to shut down any website without a hearing was good intent?
NONE of it was good. Keep the internet free and open.
Not regulated by bought off bureaucrats and hollywood lobbyists.
Philosophically, it comes down to the issue of fairness:
People without talent can’t really expect to acquire the work of people with talent (music, movies, books etc.) without paying something for it or eventually apathy will rule supreme and there will be nothing worth listening too, watching, reading etc.
Think about it for a moment.
Good discussion, there are definitely also a lot of independent musician/artists losing their revenue streams due to the FREE aspect of the net. Folks simply don’t buy if they can get it for free. Though I hugely support the public’s right to information, freedom of speech, etc., it does not make me happy to see talented pro artists struggling at seriously low levels ~ this kills their ability to create more art, and often literally kills their livelihood and them! Each piece of art (as defined by the artist) has to contain an understandable Copyright Assignment. Then it comes down to the “surfer” respecting that artists copyright requirement of the art, which THEY created. Seems, however the SOPA/PIPA bill was fraught with too many aspects that Govt. could indiscriminately shut down a website; could leave room for GOVT. CENSORSHIP of sites critical of Govt./political behavior, for instance. Congress is famous for sliding in riders that have nothing to do with the problem they’re trying to solve. The “PATRIOT” Act is a prime example, passed in a moment of passion it should be repealed as it is largely Orwellian, etc. If the net/press is chained and controlled from criticizing corporate, govt., public policies, etc. the U.S. will never get out from under its current GRIDLOCK. My 2 cents ~ Ed, Ojai and Ventura VIEW, in PRINT and ONLINE
There is a lot of piracy and misinformation on the internet. It is only a matter time that it will be regulated to some extent. For now it is pretty much a free for all!