WASHINGTON – The Obama administration raised concerns Saturday about efforts in Congress that it said would undermine “the dynamic, innovative global Internet,” urging lawmakers to approve measures this year that balance the need to fight piracy and counterfeiting against an open Internet.
White House officials said in a blog post on Saturday that the measure could discourage innovation and startup businesses.
“Any effort to combat online piracy must guard against the risk of online censorship of lawful activity and must not inhibit innovation by our dynamic businesses, large and small,” the White House said.
The administration was responding to measures that would allow the Justice Department to target offshore websites — through Internet service providers — that offer illegal copies of music, movies and television shows online.
The Senate is expected to consider similar legislation later this month.
Tech companies such as Google, Facebook, Yahoo and others have questioned the legislation, warning in a Nov. 15 letter that it would force new liabilities and mandates on law-abiding companies and require them to monitor websites.
The White House said that it would work with Congress on legislation to help battle piracy and counterfeiting while defending free expression, privacy, security and innovation in the Internet.
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