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The Internet is going to be a cold, dark place on January 18th. After the Reddit team announced a few days back that the site would be down on that date as a protest to the proposed SOPA legislation, a couple of other organizations have decided to throw their lot in with Reddit and stage blackouts of their own. Namely, Minecraft, Destructoid, the iCanHazCheezburger family of sites, and Anonymous, the hacker group everybody loves to hate. Dozens of smaller sites such as Red 5 Studios and Errata Security will be shutting down as well. Even Wikipedia is considering a blackout.
Now, we’re not really sure what sort of impact an Anonymous blackout would have unless they start forcing other sites to conduct impromptu, involuntary blackouts of their own, but shutting down Minecraft, Destructoid and iCanHazCheezburger would certainly point non-news-following nerds to the cause. And imagine the awareness that would be created by a Wikipedia blackout – even my grandmother uses Wikipedia!
While January 18 isn’t looking to shape up to be a full-blown Internet wasteland, as had been speculated in the past, Forbes reports that the Google employees are saying there are internal debates about just how much Google can/should help protest SOPA, although the company has yet to make a formal announcement.
Hey, while you’re at it, why don’t you head over to AmericanCensorship.org and lend your voice to the cause? I’ve already bugged my Congressfolks.
Comments are closed on this article
ApathyCurve
January 16, 2012 at 8:02am
These blackouts are on the same maturity level as "sit-ins" and prisoner fasts: childish temper tantrums. It's the equivalent of sticking your fingers in your ears and screaming at the top of your lungs. Oh, look -- a video gaming web site is down! Well, everybody just stop and stare at the wall for the rest of the day! As for the perptual whinefest of Reddit, good riddance. Maybe they won't be able to get it back up again.
Individual proaction (call your Congressman and Senator, write to the White House) will get this legislation shot down, not pointless, sophomoric foot-stamping.
CaptainFabulous
January 13, 2012 at 1:43pm
What we need is a boycott protest, along the lines of not spending a single penny on content from any of these companies for a month, possibly even longer.
Cause I know a whole bunch of people are gearing up for economic war against these companies if this bullshit gets passed. They think they're losing money to piracy NOW? Wait until the word spreads and people just stop buying their products and services altogether. The war is upon us people, it's time to stand up and punch these fuckers right in the wallet.
Biceps
January 13, 2012 at 12:34pm
Dear Google: you are currently the only search engine I use. My only browser is Chrome. I hereby declare that if you do not actively and openly do something to stop SOPA and PIPA by working to use your ability to contact virtually everyone in the world, I will stop using your services. I ask others to do the same:
- I will install a browser from a company that has the gumption to actually follow through on "don't be evil". I will uninstall Chrome.
- I will never use Google search again as my main search engine, and will close my Google+ account.
- I will never purchase advertising with Google ever again, and will stop all of my current arrangements with you.
- I will take my internet time (and the advertising revenue that follows it) to a company that cares enough about the world to stop twiddling its thumbs and act in the best interest of everyone.
January 18th would be a much bigger day if you participated. I do hope I can continue to use your excellent services, but won't if you don't prove you have some integrity. Stand up for what is right.
Marthian
January 13, 2012 at 3:28pm
Google ALREADY opposes this. Not very publicly, but I believe they are figuring out a way to help stop SOPA
Modred189
January 13, 2012 at 12:24pm
First, while I respect these companies, taking down MY web services is sending a message to teh wrong people.
Second, I'll only listen to what they have to say about SOPA when they have a valid alternative.
Biceps
January 13, 2012 at 12:47pm
There have been several alternatives suggested, some of which are being opposed on the senate floor by proponents of SOPA.
Before making unqualified comments, you might want to actually read up on the subject and educate yourself: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stop_Online_Piracy_Act is a good place to start.
To reply to your first point: all of the major media outlets are more-or-less ignoring SOPA because they stand to gain market share. The story is being reported almost exclusively through smaller and independent new channels, and many Americans don't access that news. An internet blackout is the only way to make the majority of Americans aware that this is a problem - there is already a media blackout around the topic. See Here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stop_Online_Piracy_Act. So, the message isn't meant for you, since you have already heard it - the message is for everyone who is still in the dark. And if SOPA passes, your 'web services' will be of considerably lower quality than if it doesn't.
Brad Chacos
January 13, 2012 at 12:38pm
Actually, regarding your Web services: Wordpress issued a strong condemnation of SOPA, but Forbes says isn't participating in the blackout soley because it powers so much of the Net and doesn't want to disrupt your services.
Marthian
January 13, 2012 at 3:30pm
But that's why it would be so good. Well dunno which sites Forbes "powers," but that would sure help
bibleverse
January 13, 2012 at 12:22pm
As long as lobbyist are allowed only those with money can buy laws
Supall
January 13, 2012 at 12:07pm
Larger companies need to take part in this or do variations of a "takedown" such as a Pop-Up on the first visit so that they don't hurt their business at the same time.
TommM
January 13, 2012 at 12:03pm
Unfortunately, I'm afraid all of that will be lost on the politicians whose interest is in big business and lobbist money. Not doing what's right...
