How Geeks, Progressives, Tea Party Gamers, Anarchists, and Suits Teamed Up to Stop the SOPA

The Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) was a controversial piece of legislation that was proposed in the United States Congress in 2011. The bill was intended to combat online piracy, but it was criticized by many for being overly broad and for potentially harming free speech. A diverse coalition of groups, including geeks, progressives, Tea Party gamers, anarchists, and suits, came together to oppose the bill. Their efforts were ultimately successful, and SOPA was never passed into law.

Hacking Politics: How Geeks, Progressives, The Tea Party, Gamers, Anarchists and Suits Teamed up to Defeat SOPA and Save the Internet

by James Holston

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2034 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	316 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Hardcover	:	34 pages
Item Weight	:	8.1 ounces
Dimensions	:	6.14 x 0.25 x 9.21 inches

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The Origins of SOPA

SOPA was first introduced in the House of Representatives in October 2011. The bill was sponsored by Representative Lamar Smith (R-TX),who claimed that it was necessary to protect American businesses from online piracy. The bill quickly gained support from a number of powerful groups, including the Motion Picture Association of America, the Recording Industry Association of America, and the National Football League.

However, the bill also faced strong opposition from a diverse coalition of groups, including geeks, progressives, Tea Party gamers, anarchists, and suits. These groups argued that SOPA was overly broad and that it would harm free speech. They also pointed out that the bill was unlikely to be effective in combating online piracy.

The Battle Over SOPA

The battle over SOPA was fought on a number of fronts. Opponents of the bill launched a massive online campaign, which included petitions, protests, and boycotts. They also lobbied Congress members and the Obama administration to oppose the bill.

Supporters of SOPA also launched a campaign, but it was not as well-organized or as effective as the campaign of the opponents. The bill's supporters argued that it was necessary to protect American businesses from online piracy. They also claimed that the bill would not harm free speech.

The battle over SOPA reached its climax in January 2012, when the bill was scheduled for a vote in the House of Representatives. However, the vote was postponed after a massive online protest. The bill was eventually withdrawn from consideration.

The Impact of SOPA

The defeat of SOPA was a major victory for opponents of online censorship. It showed that a diverse coalition of groups can come together to defeat even the most powerful interests. The defeat of SOPA also helped to raise awareness of the issue of online piracy and the importance of free speech.

The battle over SOPA is a reminder that the Internet is a powerful tool that can be used for both good and evil. It is important to be aware of the potential threats to our freedom online and to be prepared to fight for our rights.

The defeat of SOPA was a major victory for free speech and for the Internet. It showed that a diverse coalition of groups can come together to defeat even the most powerful interests. The defeat of SOPA also helped to raise awareness of the issue of online piracy and the importance of free speech.

Hacking Politics: How Geeks, Progressives, The Tea Party, Gamers, Anarchists and Suits Teamed up to Defeat SOPA and Save the Internet

by James Holston

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2034 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	316 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Hardcover	:	34 pages
Item Weight	:	8.1 ounces
Dimensions	:	6.14 x 0.25 x 9.21 inches

FREE