Letter to Senators: Internet Censorship Bill

I wrote this letter and emailed it to my senators to ask for their opposition to the Combating Online Infringement and Counterfeits Act (COICA).  This bill would give the Attorney General power to turn off websites suspected of copyright infringement with a simple court order, without giving the website any chance to defend itself.  If you want to read more, try this Wired article, or hit up Google News.  If you are also a supporter of Internet freedoms and you want to copy or modify my letter to send to your senator, feel free!

Dear Senator,

I’m writing to urge you to oppose the Combating Online Infringement and Counterfeits Act (COICA).  While the proponents of this bill likely say it will help to provide authors and artists with adequate returns for their work, this bill threatens something much more fundamental to our democracy: the right to free speech.  COICA would allow websites to be shut down without a chance to legally defend themselves, which could jeopardize valid fair use and will likely lead to an environment of fear in the internet instead of one of openness.

Please do not misunderstand: I am not advocating for illegal piracy.  I do think that this bill goes too far, though, and the potential for its misuse poses a grave threat to American freedoms.  Hollywood and the recording industry should find their own ways to protect their content and be competitive, they should not be allowed to make the federal government into their personal security force.  Please do not bow to the interests of these corporations and jeopardize the freedom of the internet.  Please oppose COICA.

Best Regards