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Wikipedia, Other Websites Black Out in Protest of SOPA

Several popular websites will go black Wednesday in protest of anti-piracy legislation.

 

If you’re hoping to post that old couch for sale on Craigslist or research one of Florissant’s former mayors such as Henry Koch or Arthur Bangert Wednesday, you might have to wait awhile.

Several websites such as Craigslist, Wikipedia and Boing Boing will go black on Wednesday to oppose House Resolution 3261 and Senate Bill 968, also known as the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and Protect I-P Act (PIPA).

The bills would help in the illegal sharing of music and movies and provide protections for movie studios and record labels, according to a ABC News article.

The blackout will occur Wednesday for 24 hours, starting at midnight Eastern Standard Time. 

Neither AOL nor Patch is participating in the blackout.

"As written, we cannot support the bills. We believe an open Internet is critical for innovation, job creation, and the sustained growth of Internet
businesses. We are in the process of working directly with lawmakers
to improve the bills," Tekedra N. Mawakana, AOL's Senior Vice
President of Public Policy, said.

What is your take on online piracy? Are you in support of or against this legislation?

  • What do you think about the website blackout on Wednesday?

    (Voting has been closed for this question)
    • I'm against piracy
        1 (6%)
    • I think it's good to take a stand
        7 (43%)
    • I think it's a wake-up call
        5 (31%)
    • It doesn't matter to me
        3 (18%)
    Total votes: 16
  • Your vote will only count once. This is not a scientific poll. View Results Vote!
Related Topics: Boing Boing Blackout, Jan. 18 Blackout, PIPA, SOPA, Twitter Blackout, Website Blackout, and Wikipedia blackout
What is your take on online piracy? Are you in support or against this legislation? Tell us in the comments.

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