via Thwipster
Publishers and creators have been rather quiet to denounce the Stop Online Piracy Act and Protect IP Act. But, the same can’t be said in the video game industry. While the Entertainment Software Association supports the legislation, many publishers are denouncing the legislation, saying it goes too far. They realize, you can be against this legislation and still be against piracy.
If you want to add your name to our list and show you support free speech, against censorship and the further erosion of our civil rights (due process), let us know. Cong. Lamar Smith has called us that disapprove of the legislation a “vocal minority,” lets prove him wrong.
If you can’t get them to implement your law….
Wikileaks is just one example of a website that would likely be shut down due to the passage of SOPA and PIPA. Many think the legislation is in response to the site. Well, thanks to that site and 100 leaked documents, we’ve learned that the United States was instrumental in getting Spain to pass strict anti-piracy law.
Via GamePolitics:
In a letter dated December 12th sent by US Ambassador Alan D. Solomont to the Spanish Prime Minister’s office, the US expressed “deep concern” over the failure to implement the SOPA-style law.
“The government has unfortunately failed to finish the job for political reasons, to the detriment of the reputation and economy of Spain,” read the letter obtained by El Pais.
Solomont gave one last push to Spain before the president left office:
“I encourage the Government of Spain to implement the Sinde Law immediately to safeguard the reputation of Spain as an innovative country that does what it says it will, and as a country that breeds confidence,” he wrote.
The letter, which was also sent to Minister of Culture Ángeles González-Sinde, he noted that Spain is already on the Special 301, the annual report prepared by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) detailing ‘trade barriers’ based on intellectual property issues.
Hmmm, interesting. So I guess this backs up my belief that the SOPA and PIPA are direct attempts to circumvent international sovereignty. The fact is, corporations should fight these fights using the laws of the countries in which violators reside or under international law. And why is the United States becoming the personal lobbyist and prosecutor for the entertainment industry?
If you need further convincing….
Forbes has a great editorial as to why SOPA and PIPA and wrong.
