For those of you still paying attention, the "Stop Online Piracy Act" (or SOPA for short) is still in the process of trying to be passed, but fortunately still has to go through the millions of internet users who are trying to prevent it from being passed by any means possible. For those of you who are unaware of this movement, SOPA is creating a bill that will censor any sort of website that infringes on posting any sort of copyrighted material that belongs to the entertainment industry in an effort to stop piracy and downloading altogether. Filtering and suing several infamous sites such as Facebook, Google, and my topic, YouTube, preventing them from expressing art or free expression.
I believe this is complete ignorance and abuse of power on the Government's part in what can be controlled or regulated. Not only are they threatening new and/or rising talent with this "super censorship" nonsense, but if these copyright laws are put in place, they're recklessly imprisoning people with no proper justification, simply for either playing music in the background or just uploading a famous video. The entertainment industry has vastly expanded thanks to its numerous followers whom have been spreading their works throughout social sites via downloads and several rising talents have appeared on YouTube simply for using industry work in a non-profitable way (ex. Smosh, TeamFourStar, Machinima, etc.)
What makes this act dangerous to our society of video makers and posters is that the Film, Music, and Gaming Industries are all supporting this act to be passed, most likely because it's there property that being spread across the internet. I believe this is BS since while it technically is considered "free advertisement," their product is being promoted in a social and widespread manner so that it will be easier for users to find easier without having to handle with monetary issues. Seeing as these industries are more powerful than the common user, this could spell trouble for us rising users who are trying to enter this field a more comfortable way.
Because the stuff I post on YouTube and DailyMotion DOES contain fragments of copyrighted audio, I'm hoping this bill does not get passed as it also endangers my account and abilities and it also violates the proposed consequences that will follow if the bill should be passed. My works would be removed and I could get corporal punishment simply for entertaining my subscribers in a field we all enjoy working in, even if it isn't on a professional standard. The people around me believe this bill won't be passed for its ridiculous set of rules, but I digress, such a movement should get recognition if it concerns endangering potential talent in a new way in an absurd and ludicrous way.
Video explaining SOPA's plans can be seen here: http://vimeo.com/31100268
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