SOPA Alternative OPEN Act Is Introduced

WASHINGTON — So far, you've heard about antipiracy bills SOPA and PIPA.

Now get ready for the OPEN Act.

Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., and two dozen co-sponsors introduced the Online Protection and Enforcement of Digital Trade (OPEN) Act Wednesday evening to the House of Representatives as an alternative to the Stop Online Piracy Act.   

The OPEN Act would allow copyright holders to file claims of  infringement against foreign websites with the U.S. International Trade Commission and appears to be a compromise to SOPA, which would allow the U.S. government and copyright holders to "filter the Internet

The International Trade Commission would investigate complaints and decide whether U.S. payment processors and online advertising networks should be required to close off funds.

"OPEN is a targeted, effective solution to the problem of foreign, rogue websites stealing from American artists and innovators," Issa said in a statement. "Today's Internet blackout has underscored the flawed approach taken by SOPA and PIPA to the real problem of intellectual property infringement."

Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oreg., introduced a Senate version of the OPEN Act in December.

SOPA and PIPA opponents claim the antipiracy bills don't give owners of foreign websites enough due process and could curb free speech on sites that have a mix of content.

With SOPA, the Justice Department and copyright holders to seek court orders requiring payment processors and ad networks to stop doing business with foreign websites accused by the plaintiffs of copyright infringement.

SOPA also would allow court orders requiring search engines and sites defined as ISPs to stop linking to sites it accuses of infringing copyright. But SOPA also would give registrars and ISPs immunity from lawsuits if they cut off service to accused infringing websites.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Roxie Rae Relaunches Site Through XSiteAbility

Roxie Rae has relaunched her site through XSiteAbility.

Federal Appeals Court Vacates FTC 'Click to Cancel' Rule Pending Review

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on Tuesday vacated the Federal Trade Commission’s “click-to-cancel” rule aimed at making it easier for consumers to cancel online subscriptions, pending further review.

NYC Adult Stores Lose Challenge to Zoning Law, May Face Relocation

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit on Tuesday upheld a lower court’s decision to allow enforcement of a 2001 zoning law aimed at forcing adult retail stores out of most parts of New York City.

FSC Drops Florida AV Lawsuit in Wake of SCOTUS Decision

A U.S. district court judge granted on Tuesday a motion by Free Speech Coalition to dismiss the trade association’s lawsuit over Florida’s age verification law, a case that had been on hold pending the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the constitutionality of state AV laws.

Ukrainian President Responds to Porn Legalization Petition

President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Tuesday to an OnlyFans model’s petition to decriminalize pornography in Ukraine, stating that he would wait for the legislative process to play out “in accordance with established procedure.”

Only Tax Deductions Joins Pineapple Support as Sponsor

Adult industry accounting firm Only Tax Deductions has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

Adult Empire Launches 'Conversations' Podcast Series

Adult Empire has launched a new official podcast series hosted by Nicole Chappelle and Charlie.

Sex Work CEO Launches 'Teams Plan' for AI Assistant

Sex Work CEO has introduced the new Teams Plan for its AI-powered, NSFW text generator, GPTease.

2025 XBIZ Amsterdam Website Launches With Call for Speakers

XBIZ is pleased to announce that the website for its annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam, is now live.

NC Governor Vetoes Bill Targeting Adult Industry, Override Possible

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein today vetoed a bill imposing new regulations that adult industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Show More