Lower the flag on piracy bill

Lower the flag on piracy bill

San Jose Mercury News: Listen up, Congress: There are times when Silicon Valley really can help you understand the complexities of legislation that will affect the tech industry — and the world economy. The raging debate over the proposed Stop Online Piracy Act is one of those times.

It’s not just the future of the industry that’s at stake here. It’s national security.

Congress needs to put the brakes on the horrific piracy legislation that is hurtling toward passage at the behest of the entertainment industry. Members need to work with San Jose Rep. Zoe Lofgren and other representatives on an alternative approach to curbing the theft of intellectual property.

President Barack Obama needs to listen, too. He should tell Congress — now — that he will veto the legislation unless a compromise is found to meet Hollywood’s needs without killing the Internet as we know it. And no, that is not excessive hyperbole.

The proposed legislation is unlikely to work and likely to cripple technology companies.

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