Tech groups ask House leaders to slow down online piracy bill

Several technology industry groups wrote to House leadership asking them to slow down the controversial Stop Online Piracy Act aimed at reducing digital copyright violations.

The groups -- including the Consumer Electronics Association, the Information Technology Industry Council and TechAmerica -- warn the unintended consequences of the legislation and its Senate counterpart, PROTECT IP, could undermine the economic benefits created by the rapidly-growing digital economy. "Not only is a growing amount of economic activity facilitated by the Internet, but future economic and social growth is dependent on this critical infrastructure," the groups state. "Congress — working with all stakeholders — can develop legislation that will address online piracy while ensuring that the Internet continues to foster creativity, innovation, and growth."