The American Library Association (ALA) applauds the numerous websites that have taken to the Internet to protest two Congressional bills — PIPA and SOPA — in a very public way. By either going dark or brandishing their website with a black box, sites such as Wikipedia, Reddit, Craigslist, Google, Tumblr and many others, are demonstrating in a very real way the potential impact of these bills.
The day-long blocking of websites highlights the outright denial of access to information these bills would likely impose. Ironically, for two bills that are supposed to combat “foreign” counterfeiting or copyright infringing, today’s demonstration highlights how they would likely hit home right here in the U.S.
The ALA is on the record having taken a strong stance in opposition to these bills and we also constructed the PIPA, SOPA and OPEN Act Quick Reference Guide (pdf). In addition, the ALA deplores any legislation that would incentivize and likely increase surveillance of online activity promoted by these bills. These bills, if passed, would likely blanket Internet activity with an immediate chilling effect — on first amendment free speech rights, intellectual freedom and privacy rights, among others.=
Corey Williams
Latest posts by Corey Williams (see all)
- LCA Releases First Sale Fast Facts for Libraries - January 18, 2013
- Library Copyright Alliance Submits Comments on Orphan Works - January 14, 2013
- LCA Issues Statement on Authors Guild’s Appeal of HathiTrust Decision - November 9, 2012
Is ALA on the record, any record, for having taken a strong stance for any bill that would actually combat piracy? Has ALA made any suggestions as to what a bill like that should or would look like? Seems all ALA can do is what most Republicans and Democrats do nowadays which is oppose, oppose, oppose! Bills can and are rewritten. Rather than hop on the condemn, condemn, condemn bandwagon, offer some solutions….
[…] about. It will only lead to more confusion and time wasted. Let’s not wrangle with another SOPA. They know what they are […]
[…] in support of net neutrality hold occurred nearly semiannually since 2010, with major events taking location in 2012 and 2014 to comment on […]
[…] in support of net neutrality hold occurred nearly semiannually since 2010, with major events taking location in 2012 and 2014 to comment on […]
[…] in support of net neutrality hold occurred nearly semiannually since 2010, with major events taking location in 2012 and 2014 to comment on […]