SOPA and PIPA – the two acronyms and Congress bills that have sparked heavy Internet debates. Production companies and music industries want their copyrighted material protected, but big name websites are concerned about the acts' ability to damage the free Internet. These acts have had Facebook and Twitter talking about a blackout. Multiple websites, including Wikipedia, protested on Wednesday for 24 hours. But what are these bills all about?

SOPA, the Stop Online Piracy Act, and PIPA, the Protect Intellectual Property Act, were written with the incentive to stop the copying of movies, music and TV shows. In the eyes of the big name websites, it's a case of Internet censorship.

According to the New York Daily News, the bills are intended to eliminate theft online and would give copyright holders the authority to penalize websites that host pirated content. Internet Protocol (IP) addresses would be required to block all use of websites that contain copyright violations.

"The big Internet providers are the critics, while those for [the bills] are the production companies," said Louise Benjamin, professor of journalism and mass communications.

In fact, big name websites such as Wikipedia, Reddit and Wordpress shut down all access to their content. Each site provided statements in protest of the U.S. legislation acts, stating they threaten the free and open Internet. Most websites also urge users to contact their state representatives. Other large Internet providers like Google, TwitPic and Tumblr have blacked out their company logos in protest.

In a formal statement released by Sue Gardner, executive director of the Wikimedia Foundation, she said:

"My hope is that when Wikipedia shuts down on Jan. 18, people will understand that we're doing it for our readers. We support everyone's right to freedom of thought and freedom of expression. We think everyone should have access to educational material on a wide range of subjects, even if they can't pay for it. We believe in a free and open Internet where information can be shared without impediment."

However, SOPA and PIPA were created for and backed by music industries and production companies. And while John Uthoff, associate professor of community studies, theatre and dance, said he is not familiar with all proposed SOPA rules, he cannot see how pirating copyrighted material would be a freedom of speech issue.

"If the artist that develops the songs, movies, books or computer programs cannot get paid for their creativity, there is no incentive for them to develop any artistic work," Uthoff said. "Just because creative work is not an object, using it without permission is still wrong."

Uthoff said that many artists are OK with posting and sharing their work on the Internet, but the decision is entirely their choice.

"It is not the same as someone else deciding to do it for them without their permission," he said.

Benjamin agreed that there is a need to protect intellectual property; however, the proposed bills are too general. There must be more verification and specifics in the action Congress plans to take.

"I doubt very much that SOPA and PIPA will go into effect because they are too broad," Benjamin said. "In my opinion, it would shut down the way the Web operates."

She said that should these laws go into effect, access to information and the Internet could potentially be affected.

However, the Internet blackout could open a lot of eyes for people unaware of the SOPA and PIPA acts.

"It is one way to let the public know what's going on because a lot of times people have no idea," Benjamin said.

Scott Louis, freshman in general agriculture, said he uses Google on a day-to-day basis, so if the provider were to black out completely, it would affect minor searches. However, if the blackout were to only last 24 hours, he would not be too worried.

"One day won't hurt me," Louis said.

Whether the Internet blackouts are enough to stop the acts will remain to be seen. According to abcsnews.com, a vote for PIPA is scheduled for Jan. 24. Until then, the gloves are off.