In the interest of "national security"
http://www.8bitbrigade.com/images/smilies/954-not-sure-if-serious.jpg, really though how is a pirate video a danger to national security - think goverments, think.

If you label something as "for national security reasons" or "for the safety of the children" (won't somebody think of the children?) it's more difficult for people to argue against it.
"You're what? You're against national security? You commie liberal! Get out of here, you non-American!"

Canada has a similar bill at the moment, C-11, being pushed through. It seems to have significant opposition as far as populace goes.

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/right-click/bill-c11-could-bring-sopa-online-piracy-laws-212657243.html

The lobby of this industry and the depth of their influence is nothing short of disgusting.

"National security" is a phrase that always makes me fell less secure, especially when a government says it .

EDIT: If I may bring such a person into this, here's quote from the most infamous Goering:

"Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. This is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in every country."

I quote him because it is true of any populace, if recent history is anything to go by. Look at legislation over the past decade or so, and tell me it isn't so.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/mar/01/irish-sopa-legislation-passed

Does the UK have such a law being passed ?

It's signed the trade agreement, the result of which is 'bout the same as legislation.

Forbes, with an article about Megaupload, and the SOPAs, PIPAs and ACTAs...

http://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2012/03/01/kim-dotcom-says-the-us-government-is-protecting-an-outdated-monopolistic-business-model/

While I may not agree with services like megaupload, the rest of the article... well, who can argue with it?

I know, right? How dare a company provide free hosting for modders and Android devs along with many others!

I remember reading an article a while back that it was estimated that only 5% of the content on file hosters like megaupload were of infringing content. Megaupload also had a DMCA filing system, unlike other file hosting services.

File hosters in general, or megaupload? There's a difference.

They've been accused of being lax in their policing of copyright claims, and I kind of believe it. I know there are other file hosting services that are much more proactive about removing infringing material. And, of course, there are those that are worse than megaupload.

How much copyrighted material is on YouTube?

All you have to do is go over to XDA developers to realize how popular megaupload was with legitimate content. Megaupload was a first choice for modders and phone hackers because of the low wait, good speed, and beneficial affiliate program. I highly doubt Megaupload was much higher than the average. I suggest you read https://plus.google.com/u/0/111314089359991626869/posts/HQJxDRiwAWq. It makes a lot of sense, especially if you knew how UMG was using FRAUDULENT DMCA takedown notices to try and stop Megaupload's advertising campaign.

Maybe I'll have more energy for this debate another time. Not now: it's 3.00 and I need to go to sleep.


I seriously doubt it. Stopping Schmitz does nothing to prevent others from implementing this model.

It takes three things:

1. A decent amount of money

2. A desire to do it

3. No affiliation with the companies that it'd piss off

Which... would basically only be a very few select companies, hence slamming one with some legal crap would make any other decide it's not worth it.

http://content.bytesforall.pk/node/39

Bad guy hosts a website promoting bad things
Multiple guys follow suit
Now the bad guys have free reign over their wicked ways and now recruit and influence people through these site.
Goverment closes internet access, stemming the flow in which the bad guys progress.
Goverment gets slammed for cutting off the bad guys main advertising board because a few normals can't access social media sites and a wiki

If people see a way to make money, they'll take it. And if they haven't done anything questionable, there's nothing with which anyone will be able to nail them.