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The state of net neutrality is at a crossroads. As shown by today’s and yesterday’s actions, the impending legislature and intrusion of the US government will not stand. The SOPA and PIPA bills have created a nationwide response from artists, websites, and consumers all rallying against their proposed restrictions. And today’s shut down of Megaupload triggered hacker group Anonymous, who effectively disabled the sites for the Department of Justice, BMI, Universal Music, and the RIAA.
The proposed SOPA bill, while incredibly vague and heavy-handed, was one of the first major steps taken towards what is hoped by some to be an end to online piracy, which has completely gutted not only the music, but the film industry as well.
The point that should be stressed is that in many ways both sides are wrong. Congress, lobbied by the MPAA and RIAA, are looking to create a restricted online world that would not only effectively stop piracy, but in many ways effectively stop creativity and free speech. On the other hand, you have sites like Google, who are looking to protect their revenue streams. Currently under suit for aiding file sharing, the Google monolith could possibly be in as much trouble as sites like Megaupload and are scrambling to stop bills such as SOPA and PIPA that would greatly reduce their traffic and market share.
Whether or not you agree with either side is a moot point as this is no longer a black and white issue. We are dealing with a world of gray. A solution is not going to be found in the next year, let alone the next 5 years.
With that said, waiting for fair and just legislation to pass in order to stop illegally downloading music is in itself ridiculous. It’s up to you, the consumer, to do the right thing. Buy music. Support the bands and the labels you love. These people put every single dime they have into creating art. Prove to them that not only was it worth it, but that you appreciate the sacrifice they have made to be there for you. It’s time for you to be there for them too.
Exactly. And people are always confused about why the music industry is failing…
(via jayshwin)
