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Dr. Benishek: "We Can Fight Piracy Without Endangering Free Speech"

Statement

Date: Jan. 18, 2012
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Technology and Communication Civil Liberties and Civil Rights

Congressman Dan Benishek (MI-01) today released the following statement:

"Like many Americans, I am troubled by the rise of rogue websites that are pirating copyrighted materials, but I do not believe the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) is the answer to this problem.

I cannot support this legislation as I believe it grants the federal government far too much power to control and censor content on the Internet. I fear giving the Justice Department the ability to block access to websites without a court hearing or a trial represents a dangerous encroachment on the right to free speech.

Going forward, I believe Congress and the Administration should work together in a bipartisan manner to formulate legislation that prevents Internet piracy without limiting freedom of expression and endangering the growth of online business."


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