Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA)

The Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) was proposed U.S. legislation aimed at preventing copyright infringement on the internet. It would have allowed authorities and rights holders to block access to websites that host or facilitate illegal copying of copyrighted content, such as movies or music. Critics argued that SOPA could lead to overreach, censoring legitimate sites and limiting free expression. The bill generated significant opposition from internet companies, free speech advocates, and users, leading to widespread protests and its eventual shelving in 2012. SOPA's goal was to protect intellectual property, but concerns centered on its potential impact on internet freedom and innovation.