SOPA debate postponed to January next year

Last Wednesday, the debate on the controversial Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) would take place in the American House of Representatives. Last Friday, the chairman of the committee, Lamar Smith, decided to continue the SOPA debate Wednesday. Smith’s decision received  a lot of criticism, because many opponents of the bill are absent this week, as a result of the Christmas recess. Therefore the debate is postponed to January next year.

Lamar Smith is accused of wanting to get the controversial bill into force as quickly as possible. According to SOPA opponents, the commission ignores expert’s opinions and it is impossible for opponents to achieve a good opposition. The opponents see Smith's decision as another way of quickly entering the bill into force. Eventually, the House of Representatives decided the third round of the debate is postponed to next year, after the politicians return from the Christmas recess.

In case SOPA enters into force, it will be possible for copyright holders to shut down domain names and advertising networks if they are connected to illegal file sharing sites. In addition, it is also possible that payment providers will be blocked if they facilitate illegal file sharing sites. There has been much criticism about the measures SOPA provides. In January next year, it will become clear what the outcome of the debate in the House of Representatives will be.

Read more about SOPA on FutureofCopyright.com:

• Controversy around SOPA proposal continues
• Republicans amend SOPA proposal after criticism

Reference: Webwereld

By: Karen Groen