Websites support Wikipedia move during 'blackout Wednesday'

There has been a huge groundswell of support for Wikipedia's 24-hour web blackout protest against the proposed US anti-piracy laws, Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and Protect IP Act (PIPA).

A number of prominent open and civil rights groups and other organisations have joined in the protest and blacked out their web pages as well.

These include the Open Rights Group (ORG), Big Brother Watch and La Quadrature du Net's sites. By restricting access to content on these websites, the groups want to highlight the harm they say would occur to a free internet if SOPA and PIPA are passed into law.

Peter Bradwell of the ORG said: "These two bills are so badly worded and too broad that perfectly lawful sites could be censored. One reason we're joining these protests is that we face very similar issues in UK copyright enforcement policies. Highlighting these flaws should help UK policy makers avoid making the same mistakes."

Along with a number of civil rights groups including Index on Censorship, Amnesty International and Access, the ORG has co-signed a letter to US senator Harry Reid international civil society groups outlining why they are so concerned.

However in a statement that could be seen as superb irony considering it is one of the organisations pushing for the Bills and which has immense clout, the Motion Picture Association of America chairman and chief executive Senator Chris Dodd said that the move by the websites was "an abuse of power" , an "irresponsible response" and a "gimmick".

He went on to say "It is our hope that the White House and the Congress will call on those who intend to stage this "blackout" to stop the hyperbole and PR stunts and engage in meaningful efforts to combat piracy."

All the organisations who have joined Wikipedia in the protest have posted messages on their home pages. Many such as Fight for the Future, have also added links, so people can read more about the issues these organisations have with the Bills.