CCIA joined the Consumer Electronics Association and NetCoalition today in a letter to House Judiciary committee chairmen to caution them on the real danger to the Internet if they pass S. 968, the so-called PROTECT IP Act. The letter requests a meeting to discuss changes to the bill.
While venture capitalists, law professors and Internet engineers have tried to send letters warning of the problems of shutting down domains suspected of containing content or links to sites that infringe on someone’s copyrighted material. While there are already numerous methods to police for illegal content, Hollywood and other special interests have been lobbying for greater involvement by government law enforcement officials as well as Internet sites and Internet access providers.
Those who understand how the Internet works have tried to explain that the domains are still available — the law would just alter the system that directs Internet traffic. One concern is that the law would encourage alternative DNS systems. Techdirt reported Tuesday that’s already happening.