PIPA/SOPA

Social Justice Talking Points1

Background: The "Stop Online Piracy Act" and the "Protect IP Act" could fundamentally change the Internet, as we know itlimiting the openness and creativity of the Internet that our communities have fought for. Among other things, these bills could censor websites, limit innovation, and kill jobsoutcomes that our communities cannot afford. Congress has the power to stop these billsbut they need to hear from us. They need to know that OUR communitiescommunities of color, rural and tribal communities and Americas poor--care about technology and the role it plays in social and economic inclusion. We can play a direct role in determining the future of the Internet! When you call your elected officials let them know the following: Talking Points: Though these bills are designed to protect content creators' rights, their all or nothing approach could exacerbate the challenges that our communities face due to a continued digital divide, and will have consequences for how the Internet functions as a whole. Historically marginalized communities should not have to face additional obstacles in their struggle to close the digital divide. As intellectual property becomes increasingly tied to national and economic security its more important than ever that proposed rules promote standards of social and economic equity that benefit everyone. Social and Economic justice cannot take a backseat to property rights with a law that limits the role creativity plays in the health and wellbeing of our communities. For artists, innovators and cultural workers the Internet serves as a global store for creative works and an affordable digital platform to create, distribute and promote work. Our communities cannot afford a closed and proprietary Internet that limits our ability to work. The "Stop Online Piracy Act" and the "Protect IP Act" are supposed to target foreign websites, but the vague language in them could impact websites that are owned and operated by American companies. For these reasons, SOPA/PIPA could harm small businesses that could have their entire site shut down with little remedy or no due process before these impacts are felt. Communications is a fundamental human right, and access to a fair and open Internet is a major human rights issue of our time. The United States should not engage in rulemaking that leads to censoring the Internet and disabling people's ability to access lawful content, whether it resides on sites hosted inside or outside the U.S., because such blocking would limits the role that a free and open Internet plays in strengthening global civil society.
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Talking points created by: Center for Media Justice, Public Knowledge and Free Press.