Several popular websites, including Google, either partially or fully shutting down websites today (in Google’s case a blackened out logo) to protect legislation meant to stop online piracy–and legislation that many fear could lead to a chilling death to freedom of speech on the Internet.. As more today become aware of the ramifications of the online piracy act, it will shed light on two things: 1) how much power will the online blackout really have to awaken the masses and 2) how much power the masses really have over the asses. Will the citizenry call Congress to protest a controversial bill?
Whatever result comes from the online blackout will be interesting to see, but for a real dent to be put into SOPA and it’s champions like GoDaddy and the MPAA, the blackout must be effective and noticeable. And quick. Time is ticking on the legislation…