Websites begin blackout protest at proposed US anti-piracy bills

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Websites including Wikipedia begun a shuts down for 24 hours in protest of proposed anti-piracy bills (SOPA & PIPA ) which are said to be a threats to free speech that could lead to internet censorship. London, UK 18th January 2012

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in Politics, on the 18th of January 2012

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Landing page on Boing Boing which is shut down for 24 hours in protest of anti-piracy bills that critics say could amount to censorship. SOPA, PIPA

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Landing page on Wikipedia which is shut down for 24 hours in protest of anti-piracy bills that critics say could amount to censorship.

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Landing page on Wikipedia six hours prior to the 24 hours shut down in protest of anti-piracy bills that critics say could amount to censorship.

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Web report on the Wikipedia shutdown for 24 hours in protest of anti-piracy bills that critics say could amount to censorship.

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Description:

Wikipedia is protesting against SOPA and PIPA by blacking out the English Wikipedia for 24 hours, beginning at midnight January 18, Eastern Time.

What is SOPA?
The most controversial provisions of SOPA would force websites that carry user-generated material, such as Wikipedia, to impose new restrictions on posting or constantly monitor activity, it’s claimed. Under current laws if websites remove pirated content when they are notified by the copyright holder they are not liable for damages.

In general, SOPA and PIPA are supported by firms that produce copyright material, such as publishers and film studios, and opposed by technology firms which rely on users being able to freely share information.