SOPA legislation shelved after worldwide protests

The American Congress has shelved the Stop Online Piracy Act, but opponents warn similar bills could find their way to the house floor within the next few years.

The decision to leave the bill alone comes after worldwide protests, with a number of prominent websites – including Wikipedia – shutting down for 24 hours.

These opponents say the act would have dealt with piracy too harshly and indiscriminately, theoretically allowing the Government to shut down some sites prompted by even accusations of piracy.

Representative Lamar Smith said last week he would postpone action on the act following the protests. Several of the bill’s original co-sponsors have also dropped their support.