The lights on the Internet for over 7,000 websites went out January 18, 2012 (Wikipedia, Reddit, etc.) as they shut down and blacked out to protest the cyber security bill “Stop Online Piracy Act” (SOPA). This bill was only the first in a string of cyber security bills that soon followed with the most recent being the Cyber Internet Sharing and Protection Act.

The proponents of the bill point out that the bills’ main purposes are to protect against copyright infringement. They are meant to provide protection for the intellectual-property market and to enforce the already approved copyright bills.

Opponents of the bill, like junior Harlee Marcum, point out that in the art and media industry specifically (art, media, design, music, movies, etc.), that artists just want their material to be recognized.

“This is just allowing for the spread of their product which in the long run will lead to increased incomes,” said Marcum.

She also believes the bills infringe upon free speech of the people.

“The media is ran by the people. The people have a right to share their opinions and their feelings,” said Marcum. “They are entitled to the share of information, and that share of information is what helps us to progress as a society.”

Computer technician Jeffrey Wiemer, while understanding the reasoning for needing a bill referencing cyber security, has concern for his privacy.

“It is extremely alarming that companies who collect information from individuals are not required to remove information gathered,” said Mr. Wiemer. “With companies not being required to purge themselves of personal information that they have gathered, there is potential for them to share the information that they have gathered with other companies and/or the government.”

On the issue of pirating movies and music, senior Jordan Kershner feels that the complaints by the ‘big wigs’ are unjustified.

“They already make so much money with the shows and the initial box office booms,” said Kershner.

With no conclusive agreement within the U.S. Senate on the issue of cyber security, the influx of these bills will carry on, but one consensus is in the fact that nothing will be passed until the civil liberties of civilians can be protected.