Us Congress House Bill HB791

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/28/25
• Refer: 1/28/25

Caption

Foreign Anti-Digital Piracy Act

Impact

If enacted, the FADPA would significantly impact how copyright laws are enforced against foreign entities. The bill would allow copyright holders to petition U.S. District Courts for a preliminary order that could lead to the blocking of specific infringing websites. Courts would be able to act expeditiously, particularly when there is a risk of imminent harm from live events transmitted illegally. However, the act also provides safeguards to ensure that service providers can contest the issuance of these orders or seek modifications if they inadvertently block access to lawful content.

Summary

House Bill 791, known as the Foreign Anti-Digital Piracy Act (FADPA), seeks to amend Title 17 of the United States Code. The bill is designed to empower U.S. courts to issue blocking orders against foreign websites or online services that engage in copyright infringement. The focus is primarily on websites that are specifically designed for infringing copyright, operate without a commercially significant purpose apart from infringing upon copyright, or are marketed in such a way to promote copyright infringement. This legislation aims to provide copyright owners with a mechanism to protect their intellectual property from unauthorized use across borders.

Contention

There are several notable points of contention surrounding HB791. Critics argue that the bill may infringe on principles of net neutrality by mandating internet service providers to block access to specified sites, potentially leading to overreach and interference with user access to legitimate content. Furthermore, concerns have been raised regarding the bill's implications for international law, particularly in terms of how it may affect relations with countries hosting the targeted foreign websites. Supporters counter that the bill is necessary to protect U.S. intellectual property rights and address the growing impact of digital piracy on American creators and industries.

Congress_id

119-HR-791

Policy_area

Commerce

Introduced_date

2025-01-28