Internet Protest against SOPA and PIPA

Major tech companies are joining to highlight the issue of SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) and PIPA (Protect IP Act). The two anti-piracy bills, introduced in the US house of representatives would give the ability to U.S. law enforcement and copyright holders to fight online trafficking in copyrighted intellectual property and counterfeit goods.

Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia has announced that the site will be going down for 24 hours commencing tomorrow 4pm as protest. Popular social news sites Reddit and the Cheezburger network have also opposed the acts, going down tomorrow.

Google has also joined protest by planning to use its US homepage to draw attention to the two bills. It is believed that the acts would jeopardise freedom and the internet itself. 

The White House also expressed concern stating that “While we believe that online piracy by foreign websites is a serious problem that requires a serious legislative response, we will not support legislation that reduces freedom of expression, increases cybersecurity risk, or undermines the dynamic, innovative global Internet.''

For more on this story visit theaustralian.com.au.