The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) -- or, more accurately, its membership -- has decided to withdraw support for the ailing "Stop Online Piracy Act" (SOPA). The move comes as both SOPA and the Protect Intellectual Property Act (PIPA) continue to lose momentum.
"From the beginning, ESA has been committed to the passage of balanced legislation to address the illegal theft of intellectual property found on foreign rogue sites. Although the need to address this pervasive threat to our industry's creative investment remains, concerns have been expressed about unintended consequences stemming from the current legislative proposals," the ESA wrote in a public statement.
"Accordingly, we call upon Congress, the Obama Administration, and stakeholders to refocus their energies on producing a solution that effectively balances both creative and technology interests. As an industry of innovators and creators, we understand the importance of both technological innovation and content protection and are committed to working with all parties to encourage a balanced solution."
Although SOPA and PIPA have retreated away from a vote, both had some powerful backing and could come back. You can continue to contact Congress and the US State Department and let them know how you feel by filling out forms found here.
Reader Comments (62)
Posted: Jan 20th 2012 6:12PM sweenish said
I'm personally glad I never gave the ESA any money whenever I bought a humble bundle. Half to developers, half to child's play.
Posted: Jan 20th 2012 6:13PM Beastcake said
Despite the flame wars over MW3 vs BF3, Dark souls vs Skyrim, or SWTOR vs WoW, hopefully we all realize we are on the same team. A bill like this affects both sides. at least we know we can stand together.
Posted: Jan 20th 2012 6:31PM Scuffles said
Can you really back out of something that has for all intents and purposes been mothballed?
Posted: Jan 20th 2012 6:42PM TonyGeezy said
With all of this focus on SOPA/PIPA, nobody's paying attention to ACTA, which is just as harmful.
Posted: Jan 20th 2012 6:54PM TonyGeezy said
Also, the recent takedown of megaupload shows that we don't need SOPA/PIPA/ACTA at all. None of the people involved in megaupload were in the US nor were US citizens, and the US still took it down. Obviously there is already enough in the US's legal arsenal to combat piracy and copyright infringement.
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Posted: Jan 20th 2012 7:04PM sparkster said
@TonyGeezy
Yeah, I wondered about that. A German guy living in New Zealand who owns a company in Hong Kong is taken in by American Police to be judged according to American law. Not because of terrorism or anything, no, but because of copyright? World police much? I mean obviously the US executive doesn't need any more power if it's above all that already.
Reply
Yeah, I wondered about that. A German guy living in New Zealand who owns a company in Hong Kong is taken in by American Police to be judged according to American law. Not because of terrorism or anything, no, but because of copyright? World police much? I mean obviously the US executive doesn't need any more power if it's above all that already.
Posted: Jan 20th 2012 10:36PM Bewoulf said
@SirUrza
I can't believe that. You know who should protect children from pornography? PARENTS!
I can't believe that. You know who should protect children from pornography? PARENTS!
Posted: Jan 20th 2012 11:39PM tendoboy1984 said
Posted: Jan 21st 2012 12:12AM gonzalezo21 said
i like Sopa bcuz it comes in a variety of flavors like
chicken,beef,etc
chicken,beef,etc
Posted: Jan 21st 2012 7:51AM NemesisCW said
A little too convenient. They already announced that SOPA was being shelved. Might as well withdraw support from what's already closed to save face I guess.
Posted: Jan 21st 2012 1:01PM Prboi said
This is nice and all but they just withdrew their support from this only for them to support a new bill called ACTA (Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement) which essentially does the same thing SOPA & PIPA intended to do.
Another bill called PCIP (The Protecting Children from Internet Pornographers Act of 2011) which is worse than all 3. The government won't stop because it's their job to push stuff like this through.
Another bill called PCIP (The Protecting Children from Internet Pornographers Act of 2011) which is worse than all 3. The government won't stop because it's their job to push stuff like this through.
Posted: Jan 22nd 2012 4:18PM neoand12 said
I said I was going to stop buying games from ESA if they didn't withdraw their support. I'm glad they did as a gamer so now I will support them.





