Bipartisan DEFEND IP Act Targets Foreign Piracy Sites
New bill would let courts order ISPs to block foreign digital piracy sites, with immunity for providers. USTelecom opposes, citing past SOPA backlash.
A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced the DEFEND IP Act, legislation that would allow content owners to seek court orders requiring internet service providers to block access to foreign digital piracy sites. The bill was introduced in Congress with support from both parties.
Under the proposal, a judge would determine whether a site is dedicated to foreign digital piracy, defined as having no commercially significant purpose other than copyright violation. Any blocking order would be subject to renewal after 360 days. The legislation also covers the transmission of live events from foreign locations that violate copyright.
The bill includes legal immunity for ISPs and applies only to large-scale foreign sites. Supporters point to site-blocking measures already in use in almost 60 countries. USTelecom, which represents broadband providers, opposes the legislation.
The debate comes months after the Supreme Court ruled in March in Cox v. Sony that an ISP was not liable for merely providing service used by some to infringe copyrights. Nearly 15 years ago, the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) was sidelined after a major backlash.
Quick answers
What is the DEFEND IP Act?
A bipartisan bill that would let content owners seek court orders requiring internet providers to block access to foreign digital piracy sites.
Who opposes the DEFEND IP Act?
USTelecom, which represents broadband providers, opposes the legislation.
How does the bill define a piracy site?
A site with no commercially significant purpose other than copyright violation.