Former Senator Chris Dodd, Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America, Inc. (MPAA), pooh-poohs the January 18 internet blackout protests over SOPA and PIPA:

It is an irresponsible response and a disservice to people who rely on them for information and use

their services. It is also an abuse of power given the freedoms these companies enjoy in the

marketplace today. It's a dangerous and troubling development when the platforms that serve as

gateways to information intentionally skew the facts to incite their users in order to further their

corporate interests.

A so-called "blackout" is yet another gimmick, albeit a dangerous one, designed to punish elected

and administration officials who are working diligently to protect American jobs from foreign

criminals. It is our hope that the White House and the Congress will call on those who intend to

stage this "blackout" to stop the hyperbole and PR stunts and engage in meaningful efforts to

combat piracy."