The Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Protect IP Act (PIPA) are creating a whirlwind of controversy even before the bills receive Congressional approval. Both bills were created for the purpose of cracking down on Websites that display or encourage the exchange of copyrighted material. Those who oppose the bills fear they will essentially censor the Internet and change the way we surf the Web.

To protest the passing of these two bills, many Websites, including Wikipedia, shut down for 24 hours on Wednesday, January 18, 2012, to demonstrate the harmful effects if they become law. Locally, the Social Media Club joined the protest and 'went dark' for 20 hours.

Hawaii’s Congressional delegation addressed the issue. “I have heard from hundreds of Hawaii residents concerned that the current drafts of SOPA and PIPA could lead to censorship, and I share their concerns," said Senator Daniel Akaka. "Amendments to the Senate bill are currently under discussion and I intend to carefully review the proposed changes before casting votes next week.

I continue to support protections for intellectual property to encourage innovation and creativity and I am hopeful we can strike a balance that clearly protects against censorship and ensures the security and stability of the Internet," Akaka adds.

Representative Colleen Hanabusa says she supports a legislative approach to combating online piracy, “but I do not support the Stop Online Piracy Act in its current form.” She also wants a compromise bill that “addresses online piracy without inadvertently taking us to the slippery slope of government intrusion on the Internet. I applaud the work of my House and Senate colleagues in drafting compromise legislation, and I look forward to reviewing the alternative proposals as we move forward," Hanabusa says.

As it turns out, lawmakers will have more time to review legislation. President Barack Obama recently stopped the vote on SOPA. The Senate Judiciary Committee went ahead and approved PIPA and scheduled a vote with the larger body. However, in light of the protests - Google claims to have collected nearly seven million signatures against SOPA and PIPA – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has also postponed a vote.

It is a scary time for the Internet. What has become a part of our everyday lives could be changed forever. Stay tuned, because the discussion will probably continue. So, for now, it’s mostly a waiting game.