The White House broke its silence on the controversial Stop Online Piracy Act this weekend, saying that it would not support legislation that censored the internet. The act, which many in the game industry have spoken out against, would give the U.S. government and copyright holders the ability to seek court orders to block United States internet users from accessing sites accused of primarily being dedicated to copyright and trademark infringement. In an official statement, White House representatives said that while online piracy is a concern for the economy, it would not support legislation that "reduces freedom of expression, increases cybersecurity risks or undermines the dynamic, innovative global internet." Without support from the White House, Congress appears to be shelving the act, with House majority leader Eric Cantor allegedly saying that there would be no vote without a consensus from all governmental bodies. Despite support from the Entertainment Software Association, many video game companies -- some of which are ESA members -- have publicly denounced the act. Congressional hearings on SOPA are still set to take place on Wednesday, though without Obama's support the act is expected to be dropped.
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