The Protect IP/E-Parasite Act (H.R. 3261) would make websites responsible for user-generated content. This is not a risk any one site will be willing to take.
It would also make it a felony to stream unlicensed content like amateur cover bands, karaoke performances, and video game play-throughs.
While copyright protection is an important and laudable goal, this bill is too heavy-handed and will cripple the internet.
Furthermore, it prohibits activities online that are not illegal offline. Is it a felony to sing karaoke in front of others? Is it a felony to invite friends to watch you play through a tough level in a video game? If a band charges admission to a performance in which they perform a copyrighted song (illegal), do you hold the performance venue responsible?



