Internet Blackout Day

Internet goes on strike January 18thToday thousands of websites all over the Internet are in blackout to protest against PIPA (Protect IP Act) and SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act).

The proposed new pieces of American legislation are being considered by the US Congress in a bid to stop on-line piracy, however, many think that the legislations are a step too far.

If passed the new bills will allow the US government and (force) companies to censor and block websites that have user-generated content.

Even if the bills are passed, many consider that the bills will be ineffectual against combating the rising tide of on-line piracy.

Although the proposed bills may come into effect in America, it would have an impact on international web users and businesses too and may even set a precedence or standard for other countries to follow.

Countries such as China and the United Arab Emirates already employ such draconian web filtering practices.  Do we really want to join that club and become Internet buddies with those regimes or should we fight for freedom of speech and an open Internet?

Watch and share the video below and find out more information on the Internet blackout here.

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