Why are websites dark today.

Throughout the web today, you may see that some websites are dark. The decision to go dark is a response to SOPA.

SOPA is Stop Online Piracy Act, which was introduced by Rep. Lamar Smith. What is SOPA? From Cnn.com, " It's a proposed bill that aims to crack down on copyright infringement by restricting access to sites that host pirated content."According to an article on cnet.com, the bill would allow the US Attorney General to seek a court order against an offending website, a rogue website.

To fully understand SOPA and why it matters to you, please read the CNN.com article, http://money.cnn.com/2012/01/17/technology/sopa_explained/index.htm

Of course, piracy and hacking are hot button topics. But there is a difference between illegal activity and censorship. 

Censorship is a difficult topic to address. Who decides what you can and cannot say can be debated into infinity. I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend your right to say your mind.

In the end today, the decision whether or not to "go dark" will hopefully start a discussion on the topic of censorship and government's intervention on the matter.

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