SOPA
Hi everyone! We usually refrain from posting anything political or US-based on the site, but this is an important one. Right now in the US we are debating a bill called SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act). This bill would give the government sweeping power to shut down websites that appear to be breaking any copyright.
An example of this would be if a user on Subeta posted a copyright picture, video, or song in the forums, the entire site of Subeta could be shut down until that issue is resolved. Right now, we are simply contacted by the owner and asked to remove the offending post, item, in a way that doesn't impact the rest of the users on Subeta.
Some of my favorite websites (TUMBLR!!!) have already said it would be impossible for them to run under the rules that SOPA sets up, and would most likely have to be shut down or entirely change their services.
Here is an excellent article from Lifehacker that tells you exactly what SOPA is, and what it will do to the sites that you visit daily. here is a site with petitions and other information that will help you contact the appropriate people, should you feel so inclined.
Anyway, thanks for reading! Like I said, I wouldn't post this here if it didn't directly have an impact on the way that we run Subeta, and on the way that the other sites that you visit would also have to change. As always, I suggest you read the bill yourself so you can make an educated choice on how you feel about what it does.
Posted by Keith
Apollo_954
As long as Subeta is registered under GoDaddy you are supporting SOPA
If by the slightest chance it does pass, the protests will make Occupy Wall Street look like an ant in comparison.
This wouldn't stop people who pirate significantly anyway, no doubt if they can upload programs worth thousands online they can easily find ways against all this and spread it. This bill is ridiculous.
This wouldn't stop people who pirate significantly anyway, no doubt if they can upload programs worth thousands online they can easily find ways against all this and spread it. This bill is ridiculous.
o_0
Maybe I'm misunderstanding, but I think people are making a much bigger deal out of this than it is. I think this act was specifically aimed at "The Pirate Bay", since I remember reading some nasty letters they wrote to people in the United States who were trying to get them shut down, claiming that there was nothing the United States could do because they were in Sweden and were doing nothing illegal since all that was on their site was ones and zeroes (yup, they really stooped that low). No, this might not be the best way to stop them, but it's not by any means going to make your favourite social networks implode.
In section 103, the bill specifies very clearly what it's targeting, which would be a site:
So please do yourself a favour and read (or skim) the act before making any decisions about it. Thanks.
Maybe I'm misunderstanding, but I think people are making a much bigger deal out of this than it is. I think this act was specifically aimed at "The Pirate Bay", since I remember reading some nasty letters they wrote to people in the United States who were trying to get them shut down, claiming that there was nothing the United States could do because they were in Sweden and were doing nothing illegal since all that was on their site was ones and zeroes (yup, they really stooped that low). No, this might not be the best way to stop them, but it's not by any means going to make your favourite social networks implode.
In section 103, the bill specifies very clearly what it's targeting, which would be a site:
Quote:
Also, note this line earlier in the act:primarily designed or operated for the purpose of, has only limited purpose or use other than, or is marketed by its operator or another acting in concert with that operator for use in, offering goods or services in a manner that engages in, enables, or facilitates [...] a violation of section 501 [and/or 1201] title 17, United States Code.
Quote:
^ That line, just to reiterate, says that domestic sites are already vulnerable under the Lanham Act, whether this passes or not. And the Lanham Act went into effect in 1947.A foreign Internet site or portion thereof is a `foreign infringing site' if [...] the Internet site would, by reason of acts described in paragraph (1), be subject to seizure in the United States in an action brought by the Attorney General if such site were a domestic Internet site.
So please do yourself a favour and read (or skim) the act before making any decisions about it. Thanks.
@Starhowl
Well, the NDAA isn't going to be vetoed, so I'd say that public outrage doesn't really seem to affect anything. Nice to see Subeta spreading awareness, though.
Well, the NDAA isn't going to be vetoed, so I'd say that public outrage doesn't really seem to affect anything. Nice to see Subeta spreading awareness, though.
Already signed this petition. I'm avidly against piracy and copyright infringements, but this is not the way to go.
Not only Subeta, but TUMBLR, Facebook, Youtube, DeviantART, and quite a few others!
But take a look at this, guys: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJIuYgIvKsc&context=C352b99bADOEgsToPDskL_v934rALof0pDlQFMphdi
Honestly I don't mean to spam, but it would help to spread this around to your friends, your friends' friends, your friends' friends' friends.. Well, you get the idea.
It's amazing what people will do just to get control over the Internet.. sigh
But take a look at this, guys: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJIuYgIvKsc&context=C352b99bADOEgsToPDskL_v934rALof0pDlQFMphdi
Honestly I don't mean to spam, but it would help to spread this around to your friends, your friends' friends, your friends' friends' friends.. Well, you get the idea.
It's amazing what people will do just to get control over the Internet.. sigh
@Starhowl
I totally and completely agree. Subeta, youtube, wikipedia, tumblr--hell, FACEBOOK!--would all come tumbling down...
I totally and completely agree. Subeta, youtube, wikipedia, tumblr--hell, FACEBOOK!--would all come tumbling down...
Been watching this for months... I have been sending emails to my reps, and signed a petition to stop this on the ACLU website.
Apparently Wikipedia is considering blacking out the whole website over this. One can hope that other large online services will add their piece to the issue, too.
Here's another petition with 1,000,000+ signers. Supposedly they needed 1,500,000, so sign away!
http://www.avaaz.org/en/save_the_internet/?fFMPocb&pv=170
http://www.avaaz.org/en/save_the_internet/?fFMPocb&pv=170
Somehow, I think that it isn't a coincidence that they are gonna vote on it the same week as a bunch of major holidays. : /
Sign the OFFICIAL WHITEHOUSE.GOV SOPA PETITION
https://wwws.whitehouse.gov/petitions/!/petition/veto-sopa-bill-and-any-other-future-bills-threaten-diminish-free-flow-information/g3W1BscR
https://wwws.whitehouse.gov/petitions/!/petition/veto-sopa-bill-and-any-other-future-bills-threaten-diminish-free-flow-information/g3W1BscR
I was wondering when this would be brought up.... I signed this a few weeks ago.
How much you wanna bet that the people who are trying to pass this bill know nothing about how the internet works?
How much you wanna bet that the people who are trying to pass this bill know nothing about how the internet works?
I was never particularly worried about this act. It's too irrational and there's far too much public uproar over it. I knew only a few days in that there was no threat. I knew that if this bill passed at all, there would be revolts that make Occupy Wall Street look like a kindergarten recess.
I didn't know that the whole SOPA thing was still going on. I've heard about it a month ago, but then lost track of the case. I signed the petition of course. I hope that Congress realizes that this bill will destroy the internet, as well as those of us that are fansite owners. Online is the only place I can post up fanart, having that right taken away if sites like Deviantart go down will indeed suck.
I hope this bill doesn't pass. I'm surprised that Subeta didn't post it up sooner. It's been known to most people since the end of October.
I hope this bill doesn't pass. I'm surprised that Subeta didn't post it up sooner. It's been known to most people since the end of October.
Keith
STAFF
Haru - This isn't really the place to discuss political leanings or who you support to be president. We were simply pointing out a bill that the majority of the democratic party (And ron paul!) are against and that we, as a company, do not support.
@facebook : They aren't DELETING sites off the internet. At least, not ones that aren't USA-based. They can delete USA based sites but block sites that aren't from their native country by disallowing any IPs within that country access.
I'm pretty sure that's sort of like China's set up. I remember reading about it in Wired. Correct me if I'm wrong please C:
I'm pretty sure that's sort of like China's set up. I remember reading about it in Wired. Correct me if I'm wrong please C:
This is insanely wrong. I really hope more people become aware of this and actively try and stop this from becoming a thing.
There's a well known political site that runs petitions against things like SOPA. It's got a petition (that is going to be sent to congress) that has over a million signatures already. http://www.avaaz.org/en/save_the_internet/?slideshow They're going for a million and a half.
Thank you for posting this Keith!!! Censorship is wrong. We would not be able to do so many things on the internet if this passes. Believe me - everyone in my family with a computer and valid e-mail signed this!
i've been following all sorts of political nonsense this year through demandprogress.org. i know it's already been thrown out there a few times already, but it doesn't hurt to plug it again if it raises more awareness. even if you can't donate money, please sign their petitions, as the names and letters actually DO go to political leaders. as someone already mentioned, it has pushed the hearing on SOPA back until january. the house and the senate might be on winter vacation but those of us who this affects most won't take a break from fighting this ridiculousness. as americans, we need to make our leaders understand that hollywood and big entertainment money cannot take away our freedoms. let your voices be heard!
I just love how any time there's a controversial political decision, all of the negative consequences are the intentional fault of whatever political party or candidate the poster doesn't like.
But I am against this--really, what average American citizen would even want this?
But I am against this--really, what average American citizen would even want this?
Thank you so much Keith for posting this and spreading awareness. Most people I know are completely ignorant about this bill- which is absolutely frightening since it's pretty obvious that it's going to have a huge, negative impact if it is allowed to pass. After hearing of this bill and the Martial Law shit going on in America, I'm becoming ever-fearful of this country. Sigh...
What the?
Most of our current Internet sites would have to be shut down.
This is Unconstitutional, I believe it is effecting some of our first amendment rights, and I also believe it would be giving the Government too much power, which is also unconstitutional in some way, shape or form.
They can't enact this.
Most of our current Internet sites would have to be shut down.
This is Unconstitutional, I believe it is effecting some of our first amendment rights, and I also believe it would be giving the Government too much power, which is also unconstitutional in some way, shape or form.
They can't enact this.
This bill would shut down our Freedom of Speech.
It would be unconstitutional if this bill passed.
It would be unconstitutional if this bill passed.
Starving children and war are second to stupid shit like this. Great job America. Were a bunch of winners.
Thank you for posting this Keith, I am usually against politics on Subeta but this is a huge thing that would affect all of us Subetans.
It really boggles me mind how any of our elected representatives can think that this bill is a Good Idea.
I just hope this isn't a case of "let's try to do something HORRIBLE, so then they'll be grateful and not mind when we do something slightly less HORRIBLE instead!"
It really boggles me mind how any of our elected representatives can think that this bill is a Good Idea.
I just hope this isn't a case of "let's try to do something HORRIBLE, so then they'll be grateful and not mind when we do something slightly less HORRIBLE instead!"
@Expert_Fieldmouse : The balance of power makes sure that one hand does not have any more say over the other...though when some of them get in cahoots with each other, as may be the case now, it can cause a shift that shouldn't exist.
The President CAN veto the bill when it gets to him, but if a 2/3 vote is present by (I don't remember which, someone please correct me if I'm wrong) Congress (?), then they can overturn the Presidents veto. This is to ensure a tyrannical President doesn't just pass bills only he likes, but it can also prevent the President from stopping bills a tyrannical Congress/House/Senate attempt to pass.
So basically, Obama can TRY to stop it, but if they get enough votes, he has no power to stop them once they've stopped his veto.
The President CAN veto the bill when it gets to him, but if a 2/3 vote is present by (I don't remember which, someone please correct me if I'm wrong) Congress (?), then they can overturn the Presidents veto. This is to ensure a tyrannical President doesn't just pass bills only he likes, but it can also prevent the President from stopping bills a tyrannical Congress/House/Senate attempt to pass.
So basically, Obama can TRY to stop it, but if they get enough votes, he has no power to stop them once they've stopped his veto.
Oh my gosh. I posted someone else's photo somewhere because I thought it was awesome.
I obviously ruined someone's life and I have to go to jail now.
I obviously ruined someone's life and I have to go to jail now.
I was wondering when this would be brought up on subeta. Thanks Keith, for raising awareness!!:D
Quite a few representatives in the house actually want to pass this bill. Most of these people either rarely get on the internet or were paid to back up this bill. The few representatives that don't want to pass this bill have been on the internet and know how things work here. This bill will basically kill the internet. I really hope it doesn't pass.>.>
And if it does, I hope there's rioting in the streets. So many people have contacted their state's representatives. SO MANY PEOPLE. If the government ignores peaceful opposition then I can't see any other way to get their attention other than through riots.'^'
Quite a few representatives in the house actually want to pass this bill. Most of these people either rarely get on the internet or were paid to back up this bill. The few representatives that don't want to pass this bill have been on the internet and know how things work here. This bill will basically kill the internet. I really hope it doesn't pass.>.>
And if it does, I hope there's rioting in the streets. So many people have contacted their state's representatives. SO MANY PEOPLE. If the government ignores peaceful opposition then I can't see any other way to get their attention other than through riots.'^'
Siiiiiigggghhhhh. America, you never cease to amaze and depress me.
I live in Canada, and our current PM Stephen Harper seems to be basically in the pockets of big business and not give a shit about the arts. I wonder if he'd be in favour of this bill or not. Sometimes it feels like he just tries to do the thing that will piss off the most people.
It would be nice if we could re-elect the Liberals just so we could have a rest from Harper and experience the polar opposite government for a while.
I do have a question: how much power does congress have in comparison to the president? Does the president make the final decision on bills? If this manages to go through, would Obama be able to stop it, or would it be out of his hands?
I live in Canada, and our current PM Stephen Harper seems to be basically in the pockets of big business and not give a shit about the arts. I wonder if he'd be in favour of this bill or not. Sometimes it feels like he just tries to do the thing that will piss off the most people.
It would be nice if we could re-elect the Liberals just so we could have a rest from Harper and experience the polar opposite government for a while.
I do have a question: how much power does congress have in comparison to the president? Does the president make the final decision on bills? If this manages to go through, would Obama be able to stop it, or would it be out of his hands?
Obama wouldn't pass this if he has any choice in the matter. But like someone pointed out, house rules. There's been tons of things Obama has tried to do to make this a better country, but the dumbarses in the house are always against it then come up with suPer restrictive nonsense.....they who are they party of NO until they come up with a rights oppressing stupid idea.
I don't much like arguing, but I'll put my two cents in about Ron Paul. He does make some good points (his foreign policy is great), but the whole getting rid of medicare and social security thing is pretty intense. Sure, they do need a major re-vamp, but getting rid of them completely? Also, I don't much like the Libertarian idea of non-regulation. I wouldn't like for someone who just got out of prison for manslaughter to own a high powered rifle. Just my thoughts.
Anyway, SOPA is lame. There's no way this could pass. And if it does? Well, get ready for major protests and boycotts.
Anyway, SOPA is lame. There's no way this could pass. And if it does? Well, get ready for major protests and boycotts.
It doesn't matter where in the world you live. This will heavily impact a LOT of popular sites because so many are based in the US, which means internet users around the world will definitely feel the effects of this if it is passed.
Every net user should be aware of this and doing what they can to fight it. Not just those living in the US.
Every net user should be aware of this and doing what they can to fight it. Not just those living in the US.
lol at the person saying Obama should be president
You do realise this shit will pass under him unless he doesn't act, right?
OH, still waiting on why Ron Paul is crazy btw. Guess like everyone else, you don't have any logical reasons.
You do realise this shit will pass under him unless he doesn't act, right?
OH, still waiting on why Ron Paul is crazy btw. Guess like everyone else, you don't have any logical reasons.
I'm in Canada, so I won't be as heavily impacted by this, but this is poop. I hope this doesn't pass.
Have you thought about what this bill will cause?
I see large scale riots if this passed, more hell than just internet war would result.
This would spill out in to the streets...
I see companies using this bill to dominate markets, it's a big spectrum of chaos that very well could happen.
By letting this bill pass they are basically trying to control something they cannot really control.
The internet is a very big, scary and dangerous monster to poke, by trying to control it they are provoking and daring others to do stuff.
Besides, there are ways to get around this and people are creative enough to do it.
So really they are just fueling more creative underground websites.
I support stopping this.
I see large scale riots if this passed, more hell than just internet war would result.
This would spill out in to the streets...
I see companies using this bill to dominate markets, it's a big spectrum of chaos that very well could happen.
By letting this bill pass they are basically trying to control something they cannot really control.
The internet is a very big, scary and dangerous monster to poke, by trying to control it they are provoking and daring others to do stuff.
Besides, there are ways to get around this and people are creative enough to do it.
So really they are just fueling more creative underground websites.
I support stopping this.
HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE.
If this happens, it'll be hard for me to find a job in the future. |:
I've already signed all of the main related petitions.
I hope everybody else does, too.
If this happens, it'll be hard for me to find a job in the future. |:
I've already signed all of the main related petitions.
I hope everybody else does, too.