Senate panel unanimously passes PROTECT IP Act to crack down on online piracy websites | The Raw Story

The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously voted Thursday to approve legislation to give U.S. officials the power to order search engines and Internet service providers to block websites hosting pirated movies, television shows and music and selling counterfeit goods. The Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act -- or "PROTECT IP" for short is part of a second attempt to pass provisions of the Combating Online Infringement and Counterfeits Act (COICA), which failed to clear Congress during its last session thanks to a parliamentary maneuver by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR).

Wyden said he would once again try to kill the legislation if the issues raised by himself and others were not addressed. He placed a hold on the bill Thursday afternoon.

"I understand and agree with the goal of the legislation, to protect intellectual property and combat commerce in counterfeit goods, but I am not willing to muzzle speech and stifle innovation and economic growth to achieve this objective," Wyden said in a statement.

"The Internet represents the shipping lane of the 21st century. 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."

Censoring the internet becomes one step closer to happening thanks to gutless politicians in the pocket of big business.