Feeling Our Way Around a Dark Internet #SOPAStrike

Today, parts of the Internet have gone dark in protest of proposed SOPA and PIPA legislation. From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., many sites are showing their solidarity by blacking out their sites and redirecting users to sign online petitions or encouraging them to contact their congressperson to voice their concerns.

Internet Blackout

The #SOPAStrike gained quite a bit of momentum over the past few days and thousands of sites have joined in. The aim of the blackout has many layers. Some want to show what SOPA and PIPA could mean for the web, while others are using it to educate the masses or lend their voice to the protest.

When it comes to taking a stand, don’t underestimate geek power. Whether big companies or small businesses, many around the internet are showing their support in creative, clever ways.

Here’s a roundup of our favorites. We’ll plan to update throughout the day — if you have any to add, please do so in the comments.

Wikipedia

One of the first sites to commit to the protest, Wikipedia offers an educational opportunity for users, as well as a way to contact your local congressperson.
 

Google

Google made a powerful statement by covering up their logo and providing links to online petitions.

Wired

Perhaps one of our favorite #SOPAStrike sites is Wired's home page which gives the most surreal view of what the internet may look like if legislation is passed.

Reddit

Reddit, another early vocal supporter, provides a variety of ways to engage users about SOPA and PIPA.

The Oatmeal

The Oatmeal, as usual, took a unique approach to explaining SOPA/PIPA. Just click the photo to see the featured animated .gif

Facebook & Twitter

Missing from the list of sites protesting are Facebook and Twitter, but we give them a pass since they are mobilizing many users to spread the message about SOPA/PIPA and enabling protestors to voice their concerns. For example, there is the trending hashtag #FactsWithoutWikipedia, as well as Stop SOPA and PIPA. Perhaps by just being, Facebook and Twitter are doing more to protest than other dark sites. 

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Tags: anti-sopa, censorship, congress, copyright infringement, customer experience, cxm, flickr, google, innovation, internet blackout, internet piracy, pipa, protect-ip, reddit, sopa, sopastrike, syracuse, the oatmeal, vimeo, web cms, wikipedia, wired

Today, parts of the Internet have gone dark in protest of proposed SOPA and PIPA legislation. From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., many sites are showing their solidarity by blacking out their sites and redirecting users to sign online petitions or encouraging them to contact their congressperson to voice their concerns.

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