Russian anti-virus company Kaspersky Lab drew a line in the sand this week, leaving the Business Software Alliance over its admittedly wishy-washy support for Rep. Lamar Smith's Stop Online Piracy Act.
Kaspersky told Russian publication Izvestia it's concerned that SOPA may "be used contrary to the modern advances in technology and the needs of consumers." The company said an official statement on the decision will be issued shortly.
Similar fears have been broached by several American companies in recent weeks. Twitter, Facebook, AOL and others signed a letter (.pdf) last month urging Congress to vote the bill down, fearing its proposed anti-piracy powers could be misappropriated for Internet censorship.
Google Policy Counselor Katherin Oyama also chimed in against the bill, telling the House Judiciary Committee at a November 16 hearing that the bill could potentially "expose law-abiding U.S. Internet and technology companies to new uncertain liabilities, private rights of action, and technology mandates that could require monitoring of web sites and social media."
The MPAA and RIAA have both lent their support to SOPA.
Kaspersky's departure from the organization will take effect January 1, 2012. It's yet to be seen if its bold move will set a precedent other security companies follow. McAfee, Symantec and AVG remain listed as BSA members. (via Torrent Freak)
