PROTECT IP Act of 2011 (PIPA)

Definition - What does PROTECT IP Act of 2011 (PIPA) mean?

The PROTECT IP Act (PIPA) of 2011 is a bill designed to curb copyright infringement and counterfeiting. Introduced in May 2011, the bill was put on hold in January 2012. This legislation is supported by Hollywood and the music industry but came under fire from digital rights organizations that believe the bill could pave the way for the U.S. government to shut down infringing websites without due process.

The full name of the bill is the Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act of 2011. The PROTECT IP Act of 2011 is also known as S. 968.

Techopedia explains PROTECT IP Act of 2011 (PIPA)

PIPA would provide a mechanism for preventing online copyright infringement by allowing the Department of Justice (DoJ) or copyright holder to block access to domains with alleged infringed content, including social networking websites and domain name services.

PIPA has garnered widespread support. Supporting interests include:
  • Online and print publishing
  • Entertainment industry
  • Cable and satellite TV
  • Electronics and computer software companies
  • Consumer groups and small business associations
  • Police and firefighter unions
Interests that oppose PIPA include:
  • Credit agencies, finance companies and legal services
  • Online computing service providers
  • Human rights organizations
  • Nonprofits
  • Museums, libraries and art galleries
  • Schools and universities

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