Debating Congressional Anti-Piracy Legislation: What Do PROTECT IP and SOPA Mean For The Internet?
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2226
Overview | Audio
Panelists:
- Larry Downes - Senior Adjunct Fellow - TECHFREEDOM [bio]
- Chris Israel - Former U.S. Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator [bio]
- Steve Metalitz - Mitchell Silberberg & Knupp LLP [bio]
- David Sohn - Senior Policy Counsel and Director of CDT's Project on Intellectual Property and Technology - Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) [bio]
Both the House and Senate Judiciary Committees have now offered legislation aimed at combating online piracy through so-called "Rogue Websites," which mainly operate outside of the jurisdiction of U.S. law enforcement. Proponents of the legislation assert that the legislation is needed to stem rampant online-enabled theft of American products. Opponents argue that the legislation harms Internet innovation and circumvents existing copyright law protections. Regardless, both sides agree that this legislation has enormous implications for the Internet.
The legislation has provoked a great deal of discussion in the media, within the policy community and on Internet blogs and social networking sites. Our expert panel, representing both opponents and proponents of the legislation, debated some of the key provisions in a moderated debate. The panel explained their views on the Senate PROTECT IP Act and the recently introduced House bill Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA).
This widely attended educational briefing is hosted by the Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee (ICAC), part of a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Congressional staff and members of the press welcome. The ICAC is a private sector organization comprised of public interest groups, trade associations, non-profits, and corporations. More information on the ICAC is available at www.netcaucus.org.