US copyright groups push for internet site blocking to combat piracy

US groups push site blocking to combat piracy's growth.

: US copyright groups advocate for internet site blocking to combat piracy. Piracy is now a sophisticated criminal enterprise, as discussed in a USPTO symposium. The Motion Picture Association emphasizes the professionalization of piracy. Site blocking has succeeded in over 50 countries.

US copyright groups are urging for internet site blocking to combat the sophisticated criminal enterprise that piracy has matured into. At a recent anti-piracy symposium organized by the US Patent and Trademark Office, attendees discussed how site blocking could be an effective tool the US has been lacking to fight piracy.

Experts such as Steven Hawley from Piracy Monitor and Marissa Bostick from the Motion Picture Association highlighted the professional and open operations of modern piracy. They noted the shift toward paid piracy services and the advertising of these services, illustrating the urgency for stronger anti-piracy measures.

Despite potential concerns of overblocking legitimate sites, which has plagued efforts like Italy's Piracy Shield, proponents are hopeful for legislative action in the US. The MPA believes that their international experience with site blocking can help create a balanced solution, drawing from successes in over 50 countries.