Wyden blocks online copyright bill

{mosads}”At a time when U.S. businesses are increasingly confronted with barriers
to Internet trade and censorship abroad, a government committed to
Internet openness should not be in the business of blacklisting Internet
sites,” said Computer and Communications Industry Association President and
CEO Ed Black.

“We are disappointed that the Senate Judiciary Committee today approved legislation that will threaten the security and global functioning of the Internet, and opens the door to nuisance lawsuits while doing little if anything to curb the issues of international source of illegal downloads the bill seeks to address,” said Public Knowledge deputy legal director Sherwin Siy.

The bill also encourages voluntary action by Internet firms that have
evidence a rogue website is trafficking in counterfeit prescription
drugs. In order for it to reach the floor Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) would have to call for cloture, which requires 60 votes.