Monday, January 30, 2012

SOPA, ACTA, and now PCIP

PCIP, the Protect Children from Internet Pornography act, basically attacks internet freedom in the one way SOPA doesn't (But ACTA does); it requires internet service providers to record everything you do online. "The firm that sells youInternet access would be required to track all of your Internet activity and save it for 18 months, along with your name, the address where you live, your bank account numbers, your credit card numbers, and IP addresses you've been assigned... (It may even be made available in civil matters like divorce trials or child custody battles.)" - Atlantic Times

The data could then be accessed by government officials - they need only ask to see it.

The bill has been growing in popularity, having 40 congressmen signed on as co-sponsors, and has a similar bill by the same name in the Senate.

"There is an alternative: Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) has been a leader in ensuring an open Internet. Last March, Wyden introduced a bill that would protect children from sex trafficking and support victims of sex crimes. The bill does not, however, require the tracking of individuals' online activity or financial transactions, essentially making it a safer alternative to the Protecting Children From Internet Pornographers Act.

Known as the Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Deterrence and Victims Support Act, it has 12 sponsors but has been tied up for months in the Senate Judiciary Committee."

PCIP was written by Lamar T. Smith, who also drafted SOPA.
Personally, I can't believe the type of BS our government is willing to consider in congress, and I hope there is another wave of progressive reforms once everyone realizes what's going on. It will have to come fast though - once freedoms have been taken away, people can grow used to them being gone.

4 comments:

Brian Barch said...

Man, if only Ron Paul had some more palatable economic views, I might actually consider voting for him. I fear that Obama won't be bold enough to veto this bill without major internet action, and I think the internet is too tired and uncoordinated following the SOPA protests, although Poland's response to ACTA was nice to see.

Allyson Kiefer said...

I find it rather ridiculous that instead of focusing on the pressing economic, social, or environmental issues this country faces, Congress is tied up in bills like SOPA and PCIP. Recording and storing one's internet information (including personal info as well) seems pointless and invasive - and the fact that it could be used against one in court is downright unfair. What one views on the internet doesn't always correlate with his or her character.

Taylor Scherer said...

The PCIP bill appears to be a complete invasion of privacy. Having internet service providers record everything you do online is unnecessary, and I do not see how this is supposed to protect children. Even if it is somehow offering some protection, it does more harm especially since the government can view and interfere in an individual's personal life. This bill clearly takes away people's freedom and it would be ridiculous to pass it.

robertbaiata said...

I agree with Taylor , the PCIP is unnecessary because all it does is record personal information which is invading your privacy and i think the government has more important things to worry about like improving our economy and creating more jobs.