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To amend title 17, United States Code, to provide for blocking orders relating to specifically identified infringing foreign websites or online services, and for other purposes.

1/29/2025, 9:20 AM

Summary of Bill HR 791

Bill 119 HR 791, also known as the "Blocking Foreign Websites Act," aims to amend title 17 of the United States Code to allow for the issuance of blocking orders against foreign websites or online services that are found to be infringing on intellectual property rights.

The bill seeks to address the issue of online piracy by giving the US government the authority to block access to specific foreign websites that are identified as engaging in copyright infringement. This would allow for the prevention of American users from accessing these websites, thereby reducing the spread of pirated content.

The legislation also includes provisions for the establishment of a process for identifying and notifying website operators of their infringing activities, as well as providing them with an opportunity to challenge the blocking order. Additionally, the bill outlines penalties for those who knowingly circumvent the blocking measures. Overall, the goal of Bill 119 HR 791 is to protect the intellectual property rights of American creators and businesses by preventing the dissemination of pirated content through foreign websites.

Congressional Summary of HR 791

Foreign Anti-Digital Piracy Act or FADPA

This bill establishes a process for copyright owners and exclusive licensees to petition U.S. district courts to block access to foreign websites or online services that engage in copyright infringement. 

Specifically, the bill allows a copyright owner or an exclusive licensee of a copyright owner to file a petition in a U.S. district court for the issuance of a preliminary order declaring that a foreign website or online service is engaging in copyright infringement. The petition must show that (1) the transmission through a foreign website or online service of a copyrighted work or live event likely infringes on the exclusive right of the owner or licensee to reproduce, distribute, publicly perform, or publicly display such work; and (2) the owner or licensee is likely to suffer irreparable harm as a result of the infringement.

The bill outlines the process and the time frame for the court to issue a preliminary order.

After obtaining a preliminary order, the copyright owner or licensee may request for the court to issue a blocking order that requires certain broadband service providers to take measures to prevent their users from accessing the foreign website or online service identified in the order. The bill outlines the terms and conditions of such an order.

The court may require the copyright owner or licensee to pay the reasonable costs and expenses directly incurred by the service provider to comply with the order. 

The bill includes liability protections for service providers.

Current Status of Bill HR 791

Bill HR 791 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 28, 2025. Bill HR 791 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on January 28, 2025.  Bill HR 791's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. as of January 28, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 791

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
0
Democrat Cosponsors
0
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 791

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 791

To amend title 17, United States Code, to provide for blocking orders relating to specifically identified infringing foreign websites or online services, and for other purposes.
To amend title 17, United States Code, to provide for blocking orders relating to specifically identified infringing foreign websites or online services, and for other purposes.

Comments

Sponsors and Cosponsors of HR 791

Zoe Lofgren
Zoe Lofgren
CaliforniaDemocrat

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