Normally we stay away from politics, but there is something going on in the US government that we need to make sure you know about and understand, because it affects us all.
You may have noticed today’s Internet blackouts and protests? Thousands of websites, including Google, Wikipedia, Mozilla, Reddit, are all protesting the SOPA and PIPA legislation before Congress.
Lots of people are tweeting, talking, blogging and sharing information about SOPA – the Stop Online Piracy Act and it’s sister bill PIPA – Protect IP Act. But, do you understand what the bills are proposing ? Below is a curated list of resources on SOPA/PIPA, please add your own by commenting below.
Against SOPA/PIPA
Fight for the Future created a video that explains SOPA in their words.
PROTECT IP / SOPA Breaks The Internet from Fight for the Future on Vimeo.
One of our favorite nonprofit tech bloggers, Beth Kanter has this protest page up.
Google has a page of their own up here and there is a link to a protest form for you to sign.
* Update – Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg formally voiced his concern with SOPA and PIPA today, calling them “poorly thought out laws.” in this post. The company’s official stand can be found here.
There’s only one page up at Wikipedia to protest SOPA, click here to see it. Otherwise Wikki readers were treated to this page view.
A recent article on the Huffington Post explains how SOPA could affect the nonprofit world.
SOPA/PIPA Supporters
On the other side of the debate is the Wall Street Journal and a many other organizations click here . For a different perspective, read “Brake the Internet Pirates” an article that appeared in the editorial section today. However, you need to be subscriber for access. Prior to today’s editorial The Wall Street Journal published their guide to understanding SOPA here.
Find out where your member of Congress stands on SOPA here, courtesy of ProPublica.
Share your links by commenting below. Thanks for reading!
Patricia Tynan
Sage Nonprofit
Social Media & Community
Abila blog 