Old Media lobbied to get an online antipiracy bill approved by the US Congress. Among those that took part in the campaign are the United States Chamber of Commerce, the Recording Industry Association of America, and the motion picture lobby.
But last Wednesday, Internet activists voiced their opposition to the legislation through Internet blackouts. They gave out criticisms of the bill that sent out a clear message to lawmakers not to mess with the Internet.
The legislative battle over two bills that would prevent the stealing of American movies, music, books and published works proved to be the turning point for how to do business in Washington. It’s the moment when the new economy fought against the establishment.
A few weeks ago, SOPA had the overwhelming bipartisan support. It had generated scrutiny from grass-roots organizations. Wikipedia shut down its English language content on Wednesday and replaced it with a warning that the proposed legislation can damage the Internet. Google’s home page had a black swatch that covered its logo.
People sent emails and placed phone calls to Congressional offices to do their part against the Stop Online Piracy Act in the House and the Protect I. P. Act in the Senate. Supporters of the bills started to back off from them.
