81 replies to this topic 1 votes

[jnelsoninjax]

Tomorrow huge sites like Wikipedia and Reddit will "blackout" in protest of SOPA, and the MPAA doesn't like the behavior of these "technology business interests"one bit.

The statement comes down from none other than MPAA Chairman and former Senator from Connecticut Chris Dodd:

Quote

It is an irresponsible response and a disservice to people who rely on them for information and use their services. It is also an abuse of power given the freedoms these companies enjoy in the marketplace today. It's a dangerous and troubling development when the platforms that serve as gateways to information intentionally skew the facts to incite their users in order to further their corporate interests.

Even if this is really only an obligatory posturing statement from the monolithic organization, it's almost laughably heavy-handed and hyperbolic. As private enterprises, Wikipedia and Reddit have the right to exercise free speech the same way as anyone else. More importantly, though, it's awfully brazen of the MPAA to accuse the sites of inhibiting access to information when SOPA is essentially a pro-censorship bill.
Source

[Simon-]

And what exactly is it that they are trying to do then?

[+Lexcyn]

The MPAA accusing other companies of abuse of power is very ironic and hilarious.

[WelshBluebird]

Certainly very ironic. They need to look at themselves first.

[+Phouchg]

But of course it's an abuse of power. What, now everyone thinks they can shut down themselves at their leisure? That's our f* job! Only WE can shut f*ers down!

[Scorpus]

If I saw the MPAA chairman and he said that to me, I would be looking at him like this:

[monkey13]

Hello Mr Pot you are looking very black there.

[spacer]

Pot. Kettle. Black.

[+3 Charisma]

Bahahahaha, what a joke. Also...

"It is an irresponsible response and a disservice to people who rely on them for information and use their services. It is also an abuse of power given the freedoms these companies enjoy in the marketplace today. It's a dangerous and troubling development when the platforms that serve as gateways to information intentionally skew the facts to incite their users in order to further their corporate interests."

Note the bolded text--this is what bothers them, and that's why they are trying to take away those freedoms... Their corporate interests? How about the interests of the people, of free speech, and the ability to spread the truth? Sure, at the end of the day they are the same, but it doesn't take away the significance of the latter points. This really is getting 1984ish. It's their response to no longer being able to keep as much of the corruption under wraps. For years there have been only so many 'reputable' news sources and those could be bought off or kept in the dark about certain issues. The Internet doesn't let them keep up with it, and therefore must be stopped. Rubbish!

[Jerid]

Anonymous should hack his email, unless that's already been done

[Fus10n]

QUANTA 0000, on 18 January 2012 - 15:06, said:

Anonymous should hack his email, unless that's already been done

if they did that they would only use it to help get the bill passed. it wouldn't surprise me if they don't stage his email getting hacked..

[monkey13]

This one is hilarious as well http://www.mpaa.org/...b0fb0d62e50.pdf

Quote

We continue to believe that DNS filtering is an important tool, already used in numerous countries internationally to protect consumers and the intellectual property of businesses with targeted filters for rogue sites. We are confident that any close examination of DNS screening will demonstrate that contrary to the claims of some critics, it will not break the Internet.

Phew it won't break the internet. That is a relief.

Strangely they don't mention who the successful countries are are. Press relaeases tend not to be as good when you liken the US to China, Iran, North Korea and Syria.

[+Jdawg683]

the MPAA and RIAA should have zero political backing (or power). They are simply representatives of the entertainment industry. unfortunately both of these organizations act as if theyre an official governing body like the FBI.

[ThePitt]

didnt knew they were funny...

[MioTheGreat]

Jdawg683, on 18 January 2012 - 15:23, said:

the MPAA and RIAA should have zero political backing (or power). They are simply representatives of the entertainment industry. unfortunately both of these organizations act as if theyre an official governing body like the FBI.

What they have is money. And that gives them power. How else do you think this PIPA/SOPA nonsense got this far?