The collective claims that, if the bill passes, they will become stronger

Nov 17, 2011 13:03 GMT  ·  By

The much-debated Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) has attracted the attention of the infamous hacktivist collective which claims Congress will pay if they pass the bill which they consider to be a violation of the constitutional rights.

“You claim that the bill is being passed to prevent online piracy, but anyone with eyes and ears can tell that this is false. Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas.) we know that you don't like us, and that's acceptable to Anonymous. We don't like you either,” reads their statement.

The hackers fear that the bill will make things such as copying a game walkthrough, tips and even sports highlights illegal. Even more, they believe it will allow social media websites to remove videos and data.

“The American Government supports the fight for democracy and Freedom of information in other countries, but when it comes to their own land they attempt to demolish it with brute force and censorship. The one thing they are yet to understand is that you can't arrest an idea.”

They threaten that each of these acts will only gather a larger number of protesters that fight against governments and for each activist or hacktivist that falls, ten others will take his place.

The document also shows their trust in the powers of the internet. They claim that even if other communication means will fail, the internet will not.

Finally, they state that if the bill passes, the public will rise against the government and their movement will only be more powerful.

“We, Anonymous, know that this is a hidden campaign to destroy the ability of people across the world to connect and share their experiences with one another. To the American Congress: If you pass this bill, you will pay for it.”

In the past few days many industry giants stated their disapproval towards the act, their ranks being now completed by Anonymous.