NET Act

Network Equipment Transparency Act or the NET Act

This bill requires the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to determine (subject to available data) whether the lack of network equipment significantly impacted the deployment of broadband and other advanced telecommunications capability. The FCC must include this determination in its biennial report on the state of the communications marketplace.

The Bill 118 s 690, also known as the No Electronic Theft (NET) Act, was introduced in the United States Congress to address the issue of online copyright infringement. The main purpose of this legislation is to update existing copyright laws to include digital works and to provide stronger penalties for individuals who engage in online piracy.

The NET Act specifically targets individuals who distribute copyrighted material over the internet without authorization. This includes sharing music, movies, software, and other digital content without the permission of the copyright holder. The Act makes it a federal crime to willfully infringe on a copyright for commercial purposes, with penalties including fines and imprisonment.

One of the key provisions of the NET Act is that it allows for criminal prosecution of individuals who engage in online piracy, rather than just civil penalties. This means that individuals who are found guilty of violating the Act can face criminal charges and potentially serve time in prison. Overall, the NET Act is aimed at protecting the rights of copyright holders and deterring individuals from engaging in online piracy. By updating existing copyright laws to include digital works and providing stronger penalties for infringement, the Act seeks to promote a fair and balanced approach to intellectual property rights in the digital age.