The copyright lobby is certainly behind it, but I am sure that it runs much deeper. Copyright, in a way, is just an excuse, so that proponents can use reasoning

The copyright lobby is certainly behind it, but I am sure that it runs much deeper. Copyright, in a way, is just an excuse, so that proponents can use reasoning that copyright creates jobs, incentives innovation, fights "immoral" stealing of property etc. The layman could hardly disagree... Try arguing for censorship in the same way. Once in place, the laws can and will be used to repress criticism directed at government and corporations, and will be used to plug "inconvenient" leaks, put away whistle-blowers, and curb press freedom (just like in other oppressive nations). Even though that is obvious to outsiders, they cannot openly put that on their agenda.