AIGA's Position on SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) /

by Kevin Berger

I've been getting a lot of inquiries from students and professionals alike regarding the house bill, "Stop Online Piracy Act". I think it's a very important topic and am happy to see so much interest in this topic. The big question is where does AIGA stand on this issue.

Earlier this week executive director for AIGA, Richard Grefé posted an article on AIGA.com that outlines our position. You can read it in it's entirity at: http://www.aiga.org/What-is-AIGAs-position-on-SOPA/ However I have also posted the position here to save you a click:

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AIGA's position on SOPA, the House bill "Stop Online Piracy Act," is that the bill in its current form should not be enacted, although we agree with the original principle behind the bill, which was to protect creative property from wanton theft and piracy online. The form the legislation took in seeking to protect creative property, principally entertainment, ended up severely compromising principles of free speech and openness on the internet. A parallel bill, the Protect Intellectual Property Act (PIPA) was introduced in the Senate. AIGA is firmly against the bills in their current form; the proposed cure is even more severe than the disease. The bills aim sought to fight online piracy by preventing American search engines from directing users to sites distributing stolen materials. The bills would also allow people and companies to sue if their copyright was being infringed.

However, the White House said it would not support legislation that "reduces freedom of expression, increases cybersecurity risks or undermines the dynamic, innovative global internet."

"Any provision covering internet intermediaries such as online advertising networks, payment processors, or search engines must be transparent and designed to prevent overly broad private rights of action that could encourage unjustified litigation that could discourage startup businesses and innovative firms from growing," said the White House.

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This is an important issue and I encourage everyone to actively discuss and get involved. Please share your thoughts and opinions here with the rest of your Seattle membership.