There are two bills in Congress known as the SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) and PIPA (Protect IP Act) that if passed, would drastically change the way the Web works. This is not how we should go towards protecting intellectual property rights. Google explains, "The most effective way to shut down pirate websites is through targeted legislation that cuts off their funding. There's no need to make American social networks, blogs and search engines censor the Internet or undermine the existing laws that have enabled the Web to thrive..."
Many websites such as Google (sort of) and Wikipedia have voiced their opinions against SOPA and PIPA by blacking out for a certain amount of time. Please go to AmericanCensorship.org to learn more about the bills and what you can do to let your local congressmen know what you think.