Makes me wonder (no, not really) why we would need something like SOPA/ PIPA, if existing law, when enforced, seems work just fine.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/248454/megauploads_owner_faces_charges_in_court.html
I'd amend that and say
'enforced correctly'. We've had some DMCA takedowns recently that have bypassed due process, causing some embarrassing moments as a result, not to mention causing damage to innocent websites and individuals in the process.
What we need is a more even handed approach where due process is balanced against the rights of copyright owners. SOPA and PIPA really weighted this against individual rights, but I worry that similar (if not the same) legislation will rear it's ugly head soon.
And we need to take the badges out of the hands of the Film and Music industry and put them into the hands of law enforcement agencies that are properly trained to handle this, and that will take the time to look at both sides before issuing a takedown notice.
In other news, as I'm sure you all saw, Megaupload was taken down this week. While there is a lot of copyrighted material that is illegally distributed through their servers, one complaint I heard today was that Megaupload had not been contacted with takedown notices and such before this action. As to how true that is, I have no idea (knowing how fervent Hollywood and the Music Industry are about this, I seriously doubt they weren't contacted before this) but as many legitimate users use Megaupload in a perfectly legal manner, it does make you wonder...