SOPA

In case you haven't heard, a particularly  insidious piece of legislation is working its way through the house. SOPA is a piece of legislation with the stated purpose of reducing online piracy. Don't be fooled though, this piece of legislation is a rusted scythe, not a shiny scalpel.

The RIAA and MPAA are collective organizations that include the most powerful companies of the music and movie industry. These two groups have lobbied congress for years for stricter intellectual property laws and harsher penalties for infringers. While congress seems to have bought their schlock, the public has learned a heartbreaking alternative lesson: representatives and senators are most attentive to money rather than facts and evidence.

Today's hearing only drove home this point. The Washington Post has a great summary of the hearing. Needless to say, the reps didn't understand and didn't care to understand. If you plan to pass legislation, you should at least seek to learn about the ramifications. The EFF has been following the issue extensively and has a wonderful overview of the impact of the bill.

Of course, you don't have to take the EFF's word for it. There is also an open letter from a host of prominent internet engineers. Still not convinced? How about Google co-founder Sergey Brin?

Frankly, anything that resemble the level of censorship employed in a number of countries throughout the world has no justification. The internet is a new beast. It brings with it both costs and advantageous. However, there is no justification for us to push back the future so a a few companies of the past can take one last gasp of life.

P.S. If you don't think this bill will be abused, consider the fact that my video of the Hyatt Tree Lighting was flagged for copyright violation...