What exactly are SOPA and PIPA? [Video + Infographic]

18Jan Manoj Infographic, Internet, Social Media 3 comments

The Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and Protect IP Act (PIPA) have been making headlines, but what are they, exactly? Here are the facts. The Stop Online Piracy Act and the Protect IP Act are getting more negative attention, as major websites such as Wikipedia protested the bills with blackouts on Wednesday.

SOPA Facebook Cover

Here we have an exclusive Facebook Timeline cover photo to show support against SOPA and PIPA. You too can add this cover photo to your Facebook Timeline and show your support. Just download the photo on your computer, and add to your Cover Photos on Facebook!

Even Google will join the action, with a link on its homepage explaining why the company opposes the legislation. But what are SOPA and PIPA, exactly, and why are tech luminaries lambasting legislation aimed at stamping out copyright infringement? Checkout the below video and infographics

SOPA: The Internet Blacklist Bill -

Behind SOPA: What it means for Business and Innovation -

The video above discusses the Senate version of the House’s Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA). In the Senate the bill is called the PROTECT IP Act (PIPA). SOPA has gotten more attention than PIPA because it was moving faster in the legislative process. But PIPA is just as dangerous, and now it is moving faster.

PIPA would give the government new powers to block Americans’ access websites that corporations don’t like. The bill lets corporations and the US government censor entire websites and cut sites off from advertising, payments and donations.

This legislation will stifle free speech and innovation, and even threaten popular web services like Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook. The bill is scheduled for a test vote in the Senate on Jan. 24th: We need to act now to let our lawmakers know just how terrible it is. Keep spreading the awareness and ask your lawmakers to oppose the legislation and support a filibuster?