What did SOPA do?

The Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) was a controversial United States bill introduced on October 26, 2011, by U.S. Representative Lamar S. Smith (R-TX) to expand the ability of U.S. law enforcement to combat online copyright infringement and online trafficking in counterfeit goods.

What is the name of the U.S. bill that failed to pass in 2012 in order to combat rates of piracy and counterfeiting?

On January 18, 2012, a series of coordinated protests occurred against two proposed laws in the United States Congress—the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the PROTECT IP Act (PIPA).

When did online piracy become illegal?

The No Electronic Theft Act of 1997 makes it illegal to distribute unlawful copies of music CDs, films, DVDs and other copyrighted digital media even if no financial gain is involved. Since 1790, the limited time the law allowed for copyright protection gradually increased from the original maximum of 28 years.

What is the Anti piracy Act?

An Act to protect the commerce of the United States and punish the crime of piracy is an 1819 United States federal statute against piracy, amended in 1820 to declare participating in the slave trade or robbing a ship to be piracy as well.

What does SOPA stand for?

the Stop Online Piracy Act
SOPA stands for the Stop Online Piracy Act. It is one of two bills being considered by congress today. The other is the Protect-IP Act.

What does SOPA and PIPA mean?

Stop Online Piracy Act
The Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) — together with the corresponding Senate Protect IP Act (PIPA) — is a proposed piece of legislation intended to curb online piracy.

Is watching movies online illegal?

Watching a stream of unlicensed movies, TV and sporting events is legal. Any discussion of the legality of streaming in the U.S. begins with the Copyright Act of 1976. And watching a stream — even if it’s unauthorized by the copyright holder — doesn’t technically violate these rights.

Is copying music illegal?

Making unauthorized copies of copyrighted music recordings is against the law and may subject you to civil and criminal liability. U.S. copyright law does in fact provide full protection of sound recordings, whether they exist in the form of physical CD’s or digital files.

What is the FBI warning on movies?

FBI Anti-Piracy Warning: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of a copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to five years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000.

Is the FBI logo copyrighted?

Usage. Since 1954, Federal law has protected the FBI seal against unauthorized commercial use. The unauthorized use of the seal is subject to prosecution under federal criminal law, including Sections 701 and 709 of Title 18 of the United States Code.