Illegal downloading could, if HR 2361 passes, cause entire domains to be blocked. Image: Flickr / NAF : 4D / CC-BY

In a rare show of bipartisanship, both Republicans and Democrats have shown wide support of HR 3261. Known as the E-Parasite Act or Stop Online Piracy Act, the bill is intended to pull financial backing from websites that traffic in illegally obtained content.

Outlines of HR 3261

HR 3261 is a combination of two separate Senate bills – S.968 and S.978. The bill would open the door for copyright owners to take legal action against any website that they believe is stealing content. The Act would also allow the government to require internet service providers, search engines, online payment processors, and advertisers to cut off commerce and interactions with websites that are “dedicated to infringing activities” or “facilitate infringement.”

Arguments in support of HR 3261

A joint group made up of unions, federations and guilds that represent a wide variety of artists have made a statement in support of HR 3261. These unions believe that HR 3261 provides a framework to protect intellectual property and the work that represents a living for a huge number of people. HR 3261 also creates a legal framework specifically targeted to websites and webpages, rather than trying to apply existing publication law to the new electronic medium.

Arguments against HR 3261

HR 3261 is not gaining total support. Internet service providers, net neutrality supporters and freedom of information crusaders have all come out against the bill as simply too broad. The bill specifies that if any webpage violates copyrights, the entire domain must be blocked. This means that if any page on Ebay, WordPress.com or Geocities violates the law, the entire domain must be blocked. Secondarily, requiring every advertiser, internet service provider and payment processor cut off contact and support of a particular website would create a huge technical challenge and cost, and could be in violation of net neutrality and First Amendment protections.

Further Reading

Public Knowledge.org
Infojustice.org
LA Times
Movie City News
Open Congress