The Great Firewall of America

[velik_m]

http://www.mozilla.org/sopa/

So what's your opinion on this proposed legislation?

I'm kind of torn: on one hand USA handicapping itself like this could be a good boost for Euro economy, on the other hand our soon to be elected right wing government will probably copy this legislation all too happily...

[Winehole23]

Overreaching.

http://boingboing.net/2011/11/16/sopa-the-whole-worlds-inter.html

[baseline bum]

Wow, first this country was turning to Mexico... now we're becoming fucking China?

[velik_m]

Overreaching.

http://boingboing.net/2011/11/16/sopa-the-whole-worlds-inter.html

So we won't use dot-com, dot-net, and dot-org.

[Winehole23]

Still, sucks for Americans. It's possible 100s or 1000s of legit websites could be shut down.

[velik_m]

Still, sucks for Americans. It's possible 100s or 1000s of legit websites could be shut down.

well yes, it sucks for Americans, but just like Europe blowing itself up in ww2 was good for USA economy, this could be good for Euro economy - assuming we don't follow (as we often do)...

[hater]

goverments left or right are scared of the internet effect. Just look at what happened in Middle east and what is happening with OWS

you seriously didn't think the internet was going to be free forever did you? :lol

[hater]

well yes, it sucks for Americans, but just like Europe blowing itself up in ww2 was good for USA economy, this could be good for Euro economy - assuming we don't follow (as we often do)...

you will follow. UK is already in the works. A few more economic dominos falling and protests in France, Italy, etc. and it will happen.

[velik_m]

you will follow. UK is already in the works. A few more economic dominos falling and protests in France, Italy, etc. and it will happen.

Maybe, but Europe has no strong central government and "local" governments are a lot weaker and more exposed - i could probably drive to our pm's house and smack him silly, if i really wanted.

[Winehole23]

Under SOPA, private companies will be able to force payment processors to shut down payments to websites by merely claiming the site “engages in, enables or facilitates” infringement. This broad provision could target websites behind important Internet projects such as Tor, the anonymity network that has been vital for protecting activists from government surveillance in Tunisia and Egypt. While Tor is designed to promote free expression, privacy, and human rights (and has had an amazing impact (http://www.cnn.com/2011/TECH/innovation/06/17/mesh.technology.revolution/index.html) on the Arab Spring (http://hereandnow.wbur.org/2011/01/31/egypt-internet-government)), it can unfortunately also be used to mask one’s IP address when downloading copyrighted content, such as music. Corporations concerned about users illegally downloading music could use SOPA to force Visa and Mastercard to cut off donations to Torproject.org—despite Tor’s aim to facilitate human rights activism, not piracy.https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2011/11/proposed-copyright-bill-threatens-whistleblowing-and-human-rights

[Winehole23]

(http://leakdirectory.org/index.php/Leak_Site_Directory)Emerging nonprofit whistleblower sites (http://leakdirectory.org/index.php/Leak_Site_Directory) could find themselves in the jaws of SOPA if they post any documents related to corporate corruption or law breaking, if those documents contain trade secrets or are copyrightable. In 2010, Microsoft unsuccessfully (http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2010/02/microsoft-cryptome/) tried to knock the whistleblower website Cryptome offline in a comparable situation. Now, the offended corporation may simply send a notice to the payment processor alleging the posted documents violate their rights and the processors will have five days to cut off the whistleblowing site’s service. Those sites could be starved out of existence before they can ever gain traction to defend themselves. Potential whistleblowers wishing to prevent the next Enron (http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/0,28757,2021097,00.html) could be shut out of the Internet, even though the Enron whistleblower herself (http://www.buffalonews.com/business/article590675.ece) has said how important sites like WikiLeaks can be for exposing corporate wrongdoing. ibid

[ElNono]

We had this discussion before during the "copyright-infringement = theft" discussion and I was told there was nothing to worry about. Only sites with flagrant violations would be targeted.

I'm glad there's more people that disagree.

[velik_m]

http://boingboing.net/2011/11/16/internet-giants-place-full-pag.html

Congress may not want to hear from opponents of the Stop Online Piracy Act at today's hearing, but that hasn't stopped a broad coalition of (often fierce) competitors representing the Internet's giants from placing an ad in today's NYT, signed by Google, Facebook, Mozilla, Zynga, eBay, Twitter, Yahoo, LinkedIn, and AOL.

[cheguevara]

it's a sad day when a monster like Google is fighting for the rights of citizens

[101A]

The myriad methods those in govt. could (no doubt would) abuse this are frightening.

[cheguevara]

yup. spurstalk could easily be shutdown at the snap of 2 fingers

[boutons_deux]

such power is absolutely going to be abused.

copywright enforcement is a fog to hide the real targets: Anonymous, Wikeleaks, whisteblowers.

[velik_m]

The European Parliament has adopted a resolution which criticizes domain name seizures of “infringing” websites by US authorities. According to the resolution these measures need to be countered as they endanger “the integrity of the global internet and freedom of communication.”

https://torrentfreak.com/eu-adopts-resolution-against-us-domains-seziures-111117/

[ElNono]

EU Speaks Out Against US Censorship

"The EU Parliament has adopted, 'by a large majority,' a statement warning the US to refrain 'from unilateral measures to revoke IP addresses or domain names (http://www.edri.org/EU_parliament_SOPA)' due to the 'need to protect the integrity of the global internet and freedom of communications.' This resolution highlights both the practices prescribed in SOPA/PIPA... but also the actions of Homeland Security and ICE (http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20111117/10010416805/eu-parliament-warns-us-to-stop-censoring-internet.shtml) in seizing domain names. By adopting a resolution against domains seizures the European Parliament recognizes (http://activepolitic.com:82/News/2011-11-17b/EU_Adopts_Resolution_Against_US_Domain_Seizures.ht ml) the dangerous precedent the pending SOPA legislation would set, and it wouldn't be a surprise if more foreign criticism follows. No country should have the ability to simply take over international domain names, and surely the US would feel the same if this plan was put in motion by a foreign country. Or as some 60 press freedom and human rights advocate groups put it in their letter (https://s3.amazonaws.com/access.3cdn.net/0f3a84cf371bee7598_rsm6bxi0v.pdf) to the US representatives: 'This is as unacceptable to the international community as it would be if a foreign country were to impose similar measures on the United States.'"

[The Reckoning]

fuck this. seizing sites for "copyright violation."

"our illegal procedures are copyrighted, so all your base are belong to us."

[leemajors]

Pelosi spoke out against this today, and I believe several others said this has little chance of being passed. it looks like the petitions by the people and the companies who spoke out against it worked.

[velik_m]

And Pelosi is far from the only member of Congress opposed to the legislation. On Tuesday, ten members of Congress signed a "dear colleague" letter expressing concerns with the bill. The signers were nine Democrats plus Rep Ron Paul (R-TX), a libertarian-leaning candidate for the GOP presidential nomination.
http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2011/11/strange-bedfellows-nancy-pelosi-ron-paul-join-sopa-opposition.ars

[ElNono]

It's a big smokescreen... Pelosi gets showered with big media contributions all the time...
She'll oppose this, but if it doesn't get approved, she'll relabel it TOPA and push it through...

[Wild Cobra]

http://www.mozilla.org/sopa/

So what's your opinion on this proposed legislation?

I'm kind of torn: on one hand USA handicapping itself like this could be a good boost for Euro economy, on the other hand our soon to be elected right wing government will probably copy this legislation all too happily...
Without a HR number, I say fuck these people. Give me something tangible I can look up, or I will consider them trolls.

[Wild Cobra]

Still, sucks for Americans. It's possible 100s or 1000s of legit websites could be shut down.
Why?

I did find a bill reference (http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-112hr3261ih/pdf/BILLS-112hr3261ih.pdf). In the beginning it states:

1 SEC. 2. SAVINGS AND SEVERABILITY CLAUSES.
2 (a) SAVINGS CLAUSES.—
3 (1) FIRST AMENDMENT.—Nothing in this Act
4 shall be construed to impose a prior restraint on free
5 speech or the press protected under the 1st Amendment to the Constitution.
7 (2) TITLE 17 LIABILITY.—Nothing in title I
8 shall be construed to enlarge or diminish liability, including vicarious or contributory liability, for any
10 cause of action available under title 17, United
11 States Code, including any limitations on liability
12 under such title.
Now consider the part of the constitution that specifically states:

To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries.

Now I will admit to not reading all the bill yet, but copyright protection is part of congress' responsibility.

[velik_m]

Without a HR number, I say fuck these people. Give me something tangible I can look up, or I will consider them trolls.

http://www.tumblr.com/protect-the-net

https://sendwrite.com/sopa/

[Wild Cobra]

http://www.tumblr.com/protect-the-net

LOL...

And will... ???

Really now, are you saying this site can divine the future?

[z0sa]

ummm, this could, you know, like really suck dude.

[velik_m]

http://www.mattcutts.com/blog/internet-censorship-sopa/

[FuzzyLumpkins]

Why?

I did find a bill reference (http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-112hr3261ih/pdf/BILLS-112hr3261ih.pdf). In the beginning it states:

Now consider the part of the constitution that specifically states:


Now I will admit to not reading all the bill yet, but copyright protection is part of congress' responsibility.

Websites get cease and desist orders all the time. Sites like the piratebay are still going to be able to function as they have been forced offshore more than once and been prosecuted already. The chronicle of FTP services getting buttfucked by existing legislation is long and storied.

You really do not deserve the freedoms that you have WC especially when you don't fight to keep them.

[Wild Cobra]

Websites get cease and desist orders all the time. Sites like the piratebay are still going to be able to function as they have been forced offshore more than once and been prosecuted already. The chronicle of FTP services getting buttfucked by existing legislation is long and storied.

You really do not deserve the freedoms that you have WC especially when you don't fight to keep them.
If that's what you believe. I really don't care. Any idea how funny I find it that assholes like you are more committed to making fun of me than serious talks? Maybe I shouldn't say funny, but pathetic. You and others here are pathetic, for having to take a crack at me any chance you have. Must mean you know you have nothing worth while to say.

[FuzzyLumpkins]

If that's what you believe. I really don't care. Any idea how funny I find it that assholes like you are more committed to making fun of me than serious talks? Maybe I shouldn't say funny, but pathetic. You and others here are pathetic, for having to take a crack at me any chance you have. Must mean you know you have nothing worth while to say.

Where did I make fun of you in that post. I actually have quit going all out attack mode on you. When Darrin was lying about the source of that graph I actually respected that you provided the link. I still am more than happy to oblige when you say your boneheaded shit as you are wont to do but I have chilled on the unprovoked stuff.

Do you not believe that the piratebay was forced to Myanmar or wherever the fuck their servers are now or that companies like youtube and all manner of places routinely get and are required to honor cease and desist orders?

I was not making fun of oyu when I said that you have to fight to keep your freedoms.

[cheguevara]

The signers were nine Democrats plus Rep Ron Paul (R-TX), a libertarian-leaning candidate for the GOP presidential nomination.

My Man :tu

[boutons_deux]

How SOPA would affect you: FAQ


http://news.cnet.com/8301-31921_3-57329001-281/how-sopa-would-affect-you-faq/?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20&tag=nl.e703

[velik_m]

Software Makers Shun SOPA Bill
In a reversal, Business Software Alliance now says the proposed anti-piracy law overreaches.
...
Holleyman's stance marks a reversal for BSA, which originally supported the bill. In a press statement last month, Holleyman said the bill was "a good step" to "address the problem of online piracy."
...
http://informationweek.com/news/government/policy/232200069

Negative backlash too much for some companies?

[velik_m]

Wary Of SOPA, Reddit Users Aim To Build A New, Censorship-Free Internet
...
Mesh networks are designed to allow users to connect to one another directly instead of to a centralized Internet service provider. Universities like John Hopkins and Purdue have experimented with building mesh network technologies, and the State Department and the One Laptop Per Child program have both developed their own versions of mesh networks to either circumvent censorship in foreign regimes or, in OLPC’s case, connect users who don’t have access to Internet service providers.
...

http://www.forbes.com/sites/andygreenberg/2011/11/23/wary-of-sopa-reddit-users-aim-to-build-a-new-censorship-free-internet/

[velik_m]

EU Court of Justice: Censorship in Name of Copyright Violates Fundamental Rights

The European Court of Justice just rendered a historic decision in the Scarlet Extended case, which is crucial for the future of rights and freedoms on the Internet. The Court ruled that forcing Internet service providers to monitor and censor their users' communications violated EU law, and in particular the right to freedom of communication. At a time of all-out offensive in the war against culture sharing online, this decision suggests that censorship measures requested by the entertainment industry are disproportionate means to enforce an outdated copyright regime. Policy-makers across Europe must take this decision into account by refusing new repressive schemes, such as the Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (ACTA), and engage in a much needed reform of copyright.

http://www.laquadrature.net/en/eu-court-of-justice-censorship-in-name-of-copyright-violates-fundamental-rights

:tu

[boutons_deux]

Surprise! Microsoft quietly opposes SOPA copyright bill

Microsoft has long been one of the most ardent proponents of expanding U.S. copyright law. But that enthusiasm doesn't extend to the new Stop Online Piracy Act, which its lobbyists are quietly working to alter, CNET has learned.

It's little surprise that Web-based companies like Google, Facebook, and Twitter oppose SOPA, which is designed to make allegedly piratical Web sites virtually disappear from the Internet. They, and many civil liberties and human rights groups, worry that SOPA could jeopardize legitimate Web sites too.
Even Garret, the Business Software Alliance's "copyright-crusading ferret," doesn't like the Stop Online Piracy Act.

Even Garret, the Business Software Alliance's "copyright-crusading ferret," doesn't like the Stop Online Piracy Act.
(Credit: BSA)

But Redmond's skepticism is notable because unlike the Web companies, Microsoft earns nearly all of its revenue by licensing software--which can, of course, be pirated--and loses money on Bing and its online services division. What's even more telling is that Microsoft had enthusiastically endorsed a narrower version of the copyright bill, called Protect IP, earlier this year.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-31921_3-57330078-281/surprise-microsoft-quietly-opposes-sopa-copyright-bill/?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20

[greyforest]

If that's what you believe. I really don't care. Any idea how funny I find it that assholes like you are more committed to making fun of me than serious talks? Maybe I shouldn't say funny, but pathetic. You and others here are pathetic, for having to take a crack at me any chance you have. Must mean you know you have nothing worth while to say.

I hope you always read what I have to say because I always display to everyone when you are wrong.

As usual, you are wrong about this issue, which is curious this time. You have opted to side with new, over-reaching governmental regulation which explicitly goes against your conservative ideals. This particular bill is unbelievably over-reaching in its' scope; it benefits a handful of giant corporations at the expense of everyone's personal freedom.

Your child will be breaking this proposed federal law if they record a movie of themselves playing a videogame and post it on youtube. Somehow this example is proposed by this legislation to be treated as copyright infringement (OH I MEAN STEALING lolol) and somehow costs corporations money, even though in our actual reality (planet Earth) it is free advertising and is generating them publicity and revenue.

Any particular reason you've gone out of your way (and staunch conservative ideals) to agree with this legislation? Are you paid by anyone to spew propaganda all over this forum, or do you just do it for free?

[Winehole23]

Labor of love, I'd say. He is good at getting people off topic.