A huge hacking incident occurred at Sony earlier this year. All the stolen information was revealed to the public by late November. Some information regarding Google also surfaced.
Earlier this month, Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) blamed Motion Pictures Association of America that they are trying to censor Internet and prevent free speech. The accusations are based on emails that were leaked during the Sony hacking fiasco. A spokesperson from MPAA said that Google Inc. shamefully claims to defend free speech while it is trying to censor the Internet. Meanwhile Google Inc. pointed at the Project Goliath, an alleged program by some Hollywood people and MPAA.
This tactic was also revealed in communications that came out in the public due to Sony’s hacking. Google Inc. showed concern for this project saying that this was a campaign for the revival of the failed legislation, SOPA. The plan was formulated by Universal, Sony, Disney Fox, Paramount and MPAA to get the state attorneys to attack Goliath with court action and bad press. Goliath is a code-word for the tech giant Google.
MPAA said that Google Inc. has always defended free speech. However, this freedom of speech must not be used to shield illegal activities and unlawful deeds. Internet is not a license to be stolen. Google Inc. was trying to shift the focus of the people from its own conduct. Currently, state attorneys are investigating the role of Google Search in helping illegal conduct which may include fraud, human trafficking and drugs dealing. Meanwhile, MPAA has funded Project Goliath with $500,000. The cost can potentially increase to $1.175 million.
The Hollywood giants’ group asked the State Attorney General of Mississippi to attack Goliath. He did so too. He sent a letter to Google which was entirely written by MPAA’s lawfirm after which a week passed in silence then finally, Google Inc. spoke up. The internet giant questioned the judgment of MPAA about the aims of SOPA. Google Inc. also pointed out how MPAA had clearly manipulated the Attorney General. SOPA – Stop Online Piracy Act – was stopped about three years ago by millions of Americans. If the legislation SOPA had been passed, censorship across the Internet would have happened. Google and other websites also participated in the protest and finally stopped SOPA.
Now, Google Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL) is questioning that why MPAA wishes to go against the decision of millions of Americans. Google Inc. also pointed at the letter that the Attorney General sent to them. MPAA did all the legal work for the AG and this letter was also signed by AG but written by Jenner and Block – the lawfirm for MPAA. Google Inc. also questioned that what does this mean for MPAA. This organization was founded for promotion and defense of the rights to free speech then why was it trying to censor the Internet secretly? MPAA feels no shame. They believe that they acted appropriately and are not ready to change anything. MPAA said that it will involve anyone that they need in order to protect their rights and rights of other parties that are involved.
