Wikipedia has started a revolution against the Stop Online Piracy Act, or SOPA (here’s the EFF’s take) (it’s Senate sister is PIPA), that is making it’s way through the United States Congress.
In protest of the legislation, Wikipedia’s English site is “blacked out” for 24 hours today. This is significant, especially considering the impact of Wikipedia and its contributions to the internet. In fact, legal tech-guru, Ben Schorr, recently called Wikipedia one of the five most valuable Internet contributions to mankind. I agree whole-heartedly agree.
SOPA and PIPA, as they are currently situated before Congress, will hurt the internet.
While I believe something needs to be done to protect the IP interests of “creative” people, I also believe that there are far-better ways than the unrestricted and out-right censorship of many innocent people.
I think ultimately, as always, bad bills will fail. However, it’s up to everyone to make sure it does. You can “take action” by signing this petition through Google, and by contacting your Senator or Representative, I did. Wikipedia’s site makes it easy.
You can read more about my take on SOPA here.
Note: this is repost from my blog, thedroidlawyer.com.