Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Google Blacks Out Logo In Protest Over SOPA

Black Banner In Protest Over SOPA Anti-Piracy Legislation

Google has blacked out it's familiar logo on all it's search pages today in protest over possible legislation in the U.S. that would censor the internet in efforts to prevent piracy of copyrighted materials on web pages.

Other prominent web sites are also protesting today including Wordpress and Wikipedia. Wikipedia users will not be able to search for any information until 12:01 a.m. Thursday morning, January 19th.

A page is shown when users attempt a search with the headline "Imagine A World Without Free Knowledge" and a link to find your congressional representatives to express your views on the anti-piracy proposed legislation.

Google explains it's position saying, "Two bills before Congress, known as the Protect IP Act (PIPA) in the Senate and the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) in the House, would censor the Web and impose harmful regulations on American business. Millions of Internet users and entrepreneurs already oppose SOPA and PIPA."

Google urges readers to sign an online petition saying, "The Senate will begin voting on January 24th. Please let them know how you feel. Sign this petition urging Congress to vote NO on PIPA and SOPA before it is too late."

1 comment:

  1. US congress trying to change the meaning of internet which is against the vision of the founder of internet. I believe the basic idea of internet is to share ideas and thoughts without any Restrictions. "Please Do not try to impose a threat to this ocean of knowledge"

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