U.S. Representative Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) has introduced a proposed law that would require internet service providers (ISPs) and other network operators to block access to foreign websites associated with online piracy. Under the bill, copyright holders could request judicial orders to be enforced by ISPs, domain name resolution services, and virtual private networks (VPNs), which help users mask their online activity. The proposal aims to speed up the removal of pirated content from the internet, particularly in cases where pirated material is available in real time, such as live sports events. Issa, who is set to retire from the House of Representatives at the end of this year, has become the latest lawmaker to support a site-blocking system that has long been advocated by the Motion Picture Association (MPA), a trade group representing major movie studios. His bill was submitted this week, following a June 30 hearing where he expressed his intent to introduce such legislation. In that hearing, Issa emphasized the limitations of the current system, which relies on a process known as "notice-and-takedown" under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). This system allows copyright holders to request the removal of infringing content, but they have raised concerns about how quickly such requests are processed. Issa questioned whether the current system could keep up with the rapid spread of pirated content, asking, "Can we do it at the speed of sound? Can we do it at the speed of light?" He highlighted the challenge of removing pirated content quickly enough to prevent it from being sold in real time, such as during live sports broadcasts. His comments reflect a growing concern among content creators and industry groups about the ability of existing laws to effectively combat online piracy in an increasingly fast-paced digital environment. The proposed law would represent a shift in how copyright enforcement is handled online, potentially allowing for more immediate action against foreign websites that host pirated content. However, it also raises questions about the balance between protecting intellectual property and preserving internet freedom, a topic that has sparked debate among lawmakers and digital rights advocates.