SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act)

The Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) was a proposed U.S. law aimed at combating online copyright infringement and piracy. Introduced in 2011, it sought to give authorities the power to block access to websites believed to facilitate the distribution of copyrighted material without permission. Supporters argued it would protect creators and businesses, while critics contended it could stifle free speech and harm the way the internet operates. The backlash included protests from various online platforms and users, leading to the bill being shelved due to concerns about its implications for internet freedom and innovation.