Dear Sen. Cardin,

Recently it has come to my attention that you are sponsoring S.968, titled “Preventing Real Online Threats to Economic Creativity and Theft of Intellectual Property Act of 2011 “. I wanted to reach out as a concerned Marylander and as a technologist who is an advocate of civil liberties online.

First and foremost, I respect the intent of the bill. The artists and innovators who have put their entire lives into creating intellectual property deserve protection from piracy and infringement.

As a technologist, my entire career has focused on building new capabilities that support our national security. I am by no means an aficionado of legalese or a policy nut. However, I can see when technology and policy are colliding in ways that will impact the overall good of a community. Looking through this bill, I see many areas where authors who are well intentioned but poorly informed, have created openings for exploitation and abuse by corporate interests. This undoubtedly will have incredible impact on the evolution of information sharing and collaboration online. In addition, enforcement and censorship tactics in the bill will have a ripple affect breaking basic foundational concepts of the internet.

There are plenty of smarter people than I who also highlight SOPA’s problems. If you have not already, I suggest you read Vint Cerf’s open letter to the sponsors of this bill as well: http://news.cnet.com/8301-31921_3-57344028-281/vint-cerf-sopa-means-unprecedented-censorship-of-the-web/

Representing Maryland, I ask that you promote greater involvement by the technology and academic community in the authoring of the bill. I have attended many of the Governors Cyber Maryland events, either as a panelist or guest and the consistent theme is about establishing Maryland as the leader in Cyberspace. This is a perfect opportunity to show that leadership.

Thank you for your representation, commitment and I hope you consider my comments.

Regards,
Chris Ensey