The Motion Picture Association of America is willing to change some of the language to tone-down the controversial, much-maligned Stop Online Piracy Act that it supports, according to a report in the New York Times late Wednesday.
MPAA exec Michael O’Leary said in an afternoon press call that the agency “will come forward with language that will address some of the legitimate concerns,” of those opposed to the bill, including Google, Facebook, Yahoo, Zynga and myriad other Web companies and advocacy groups.
O’Leary, who previously testified in support of the legislation before a House committee hearing, didn’t reveal what specifically would be changed in the text of the legislation, but admitted that the alterations wouldn’t satisfy all of the bill’s critics.
O’Leary also told reporters that some of the complaints of Google and others who have come out against the bill are “nonsense” meant to “gin people up” about the bill’s proposed negative effects on the freedom and openness of the Internet, Reuters reported.
SOPA, as the bill is known, would force Web hosting companies such as Google and payment providers like Visa to cut ties with websites accused of fomenting piracy by copyright holders, or be held legally liable. Critics contend it is far too sweeping and broad, and would actually make the Web less secure.
Still, O’Leary said he was confident the bill would pass in some fashion.
