PIPA defines infringement as distribution of illegal copies, counterfeit goods, or anti-digital rights management technology. Infringement exists if "facts or circumstances suggest [the site] is used, primarily as a means for engaging in, enabling, or facilitating the activities described." The bill provides for "enhancing enforcement against rogue websites operated and registered overseas", authorizing the United States Department of Justice to serve orders to financial transaction providers, Internet advertising services, Internet service providers, and search engines to require them to stop financial transactions with the rogue site and remove links to it. 

These broad rules and enforcement powers can damage freedom of speech and innovation on the Internet. A letter of opposition was signed by 130 technology entrepreneurs and executives and sent to Congress to express their concern that the law would "hurt economic growth and chill innovation in legitimate services that help people create, communicate, and make money online". Perfectly lawful sites might be censored and have to fight against government-powered corporate interests for the right to exist.