The MPAA Says Blackout Protests Are an Abuse of Power

[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:

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

[Japlabot]

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 Veteran]

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.

[Charisma Veteran]

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!

[Motoko.]

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

[fusi0n]

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

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.

[Jason S. Global Moderator]

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...

[Linkinfamous]

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?

[Buttus]

did i read that correctly? They're saying the websites are blacking out for corporate interests? but the MPAA is trying to pass SOPA for corporate interests?

[Dot Matrix]

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.

But it's OK if you do it, Chris? Do us a favor and take a short walk off a long cliff, ****ing moron. Sheesh.

[Neonix1]

HAHAHA

Let me say that again

HAHAHA

[efjay]

Best way to get them to notice is to get the review sites like rottentomatoes and the like to shut down, or if they wont boycott them the weekend before a big film opening. The money these guys are using to buy politicians comes from their box office receipts and retail store sales, which comes from, guess who, US! Hit those revenue streams in a coordinated way and watch them reverse their position. And if SOPA gets passed this is what everyone should propose, boycotting theatres, DVD and Bluray sales, online video purchases. Just notice how godaddy folded, hit them where it hurts!!!

[ThePitt]

https://twitter.com/#!/herpderpedia

[ViperAFK]

https://twitter.com/...#!/herpderpedia

I don't want to live on this planet anymore

[Tech Star]

They are just saying this to get people to go against those that are supporting the blackout. This will never work with this lame PR speak. The blackout damage has been done and I hope Congress has heard our cries.

[Hardcore Til I Die]

The mpaa can f*** off :)

[OOOOOOOO]

Anyone here pirating stuff can get the f**k out of this thread as you don't have a valid say.

Anyone here opposing the bill but pays for everything 100% legitimately, you may morally have a genuine, valid say.

People need to think about WHY they're opposing the bill before they oppose it.

And btw, 90% of you, if not a higher percentage, need to read the details of the bill, and not just what blogs pick from it.

Not saying I'm for the bill. But a vast majority of internet users who are opposed know jack s**t about it beyond their favourite blog or tech news site has filtered to them, in their own words.

[firey]

Anyone here pirating stuff can get the f**k out of this thread as you don't have a valid say.

Anyone here opposing the bill but pays for everything 100% legitimately, you may morally have a genuine, valid say.

People need to think about WHY they're opposing the bill before they oppose it.

And btw, 90% of you, if not a higher percentage, need to read the details of the bill, and not just what blogs pick from it.

Not saying I'm for the bill. But a vast majority of internet users who are opposed know jack s**t about it beyond their favourite blog or tech news site has filtered to them, in their own words.

You do realize that SOPA affects more than "Pirates" right? It allows companies who feel that work is stolen, or for people who claim a website has stolen something to be able to shut down the site with no warning.. what does that have to do with downloading a movie? If I put a picture of the CN Tower on my website taken from www.cntowner.com my website could be shut down completely (not just picture removed) because CNTower doesn't want me to use their picture.