The decision by Wikipedia to black out their websites for 24 hours has had the desired effect. According to a press statement issued by the Wikimedia Foundation, the organisation behind the site, over 162 million people had 'experienced the Wikipedia blackout landing page' in the space of 24 hours. The BBC carried a post-event report which suggests that US politicians are now having second thoughts.
The issue was over proposed laws to prevent breaches of copyright mainly, it has to be stressed, affecting the music and film industry. But, as we all know, such laws also affect other areas of copyright - and this involves the world of publishing and books. You can read more in the item and link published below. But two aspects seem important: any website whether based in the USA or anywhere in the world could be removed simply following a complaint for an alleged breach of copyright - under the two Bills - SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) and PIPA (Protect IP Act). In other words, the US would rule the world's Internet. The second is that under these new laws, there would be no right to any court hearing or legal argument.
As we close this edition for broadcasting, over 1.8 million people have signed a petition on Avaaz.org - an international website for posting your vote on this issues. If you have not done so and feel strongly about this subject, it's worth a moment or two of your time.
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