CircleID

First the Los Angeles Times, now the New York Times have both printed editorials critical of the PROTECT-IP bill.

Both the LAT and NYT support copyright — and announce as much in their opening sentences. That doesn't mean we should sacrifice Internet security and stability for legitimate DNS users, nor the transparency of the rule of law. As the LAT puts it "The main problem with the bill is in its effort to render sites invisible as well as unprofitable." Pulling sites from search won't stop people from reaching them, but will stifle public debate. Copyright must not be used to shut down the engine of free expression for others.

Let's hope these policy criticisms, combined with the technical critiques from a crew of DNS experts will begin a groundswell against this poorly considered bill.

By Wendy Seltzer, Law professor. Visit the blog maintained by Wendy Seltzer here.

Related topics: Censorship, DNS, Internet Governance, Law, Policy & Regulation, Security