Media as International Actor

In My Opinion

PROTECT IP Act: Impacting more than Americans?

By Natalie Sun

The Tunisian Revolution, along with the “Arab Spring,” are examples of technology’s ability to empower people to advocate change. With the use of social media, the US has assisted the spread of these messages. But could the US’s influence be threatened by its own policies?

Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act of 2011, or PROTECT IP Act, aims to prevent piracy. It limits access to foreign websites, which are distributors of unauthorized copyrighted content due to weak international law. But this system is heavily flawed. It is not only easy to bypass, but it reduces US access to foreign websites, ultimately hindering free speech. International media activists will no longer be able to share their compelling stories with the US, reducing our international influence.

Media activists around the world rely on US social media to spread the word about their movements. This technology has given small groups the ability to gain power through the media. If America adopts PROTECT IP, social media sites will be regulated, stifling foreign voices from being heard by US supporters. America will no longer be able to exercise their international influence, which hinders the progress of growing nations. What kind of message will this send to international activists?

U.S. Senator Wyden of Oregon noted “it is increasingly in America’s economic interest to ensure that the Internet is a viable means for American innovation, commerce, and the advancement of our ideals that empower people all around the world.” As a country gifted with free speech, it is our social responsibility to assist the development of these US ideals across the world. PROTECT IP Act will only stop this from happening, and we cannot let it pass.