Obama Says So Long SOPA, Killing Controversial Internet Piracy Legislation

A (fairly) quick victory for the silicon-roots campaign against SOPA!

The White House said in its statement,

“Any provision covering Internet intermediaries such as online advertising networks, payment processors, or search engines must be transparent and designed to prevent overly broad private rights of action that could encourage unjustified litigation that could discourage startup businesses and innovative firms from growing,” said The White House. “We expect and encourage all private parties, including both content creators and Internet platform providers working together, to adopt voluntary measures and best practices to reduce online piracy.”

(I was surprised to read here that otherwise detestable Representative Darrell Issa (R - CA) was involved in Congressional efforts to defeat the bill.)

There is also, of course, the Enforcing and Protecting American Rights Against Sites Intent on Theft and Exploitation Act — PIPA — scheduled to go before the Senate on January 24^th, though the president's opposition puts pressure on senators backing that bill.

Still, as Forbes says, this debate isn’t over — especially if a Republican administration enters the White House next year. That thought should guide Internet-conscious voters in November.