Professional Photographers of America (PPA) and the Copyright Alliance announce the creation of a new website that unites creators (including photographers like you): http://artistsagainstdigitaltheft.com/. This new site explains digital theft problems and solutions, allows you to share your stories, and provides direct links and ideas for taking action.

“As artists in every creative field are all too aware, digital theft of their work is a threat to their livelihoods,” says Copyright Alliance Executive Director Sandra Aistars. “Websites trafficking in unlicensed, infringing content divert customers from legitimate online outlets, robbing creators of both incomes. Also frustrating is that chasing down all this illegal activity detracts from the ability to devote time and energy toward their work.”

The Artists Against Digital Theft launch coincides with the introduction of two key pieces of online copyright enforcement legislation in the U.S. Senate. The new PROTECT IP Act would give law enforcement the tools needed to target operators of sites engaged in for-profit trafficking of counterfeit and unlicensed copyrighted products. In addition, the other new Senate bill (S.978) would establish harsher penalties for illegal streaming.

As you can see, things are changing in the online copyright world, so take action with the Artists Against Digital Theft site:

• Email your congressional representatives, expressing support for legislation that addresses online copyright infringement (like those mentioned above)!
• Share this new site to help others better understand the impact of digital theft on the copyright community at large.