The End of the World (Wide Web)?, Or:The Great Internet Strike of 2012

Well, it’s really happening. The Internet is on strike. And, although it might seem like “the end of the world” that 2012 was/is supposed to bring; to many, it’s the only thing preventing it.

Why is the Internet on strike? Two reasons: SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) and PIPA (Protect IP Act). These two bills (that have already been introduced to the United States House of Representatives and are to be voted on in the upcoming weeks) would basically allow the U.S. Department of Justice, as well as copyright holders, to sue websites accused of enabling or facilitating copyright infringement, which is very vaguely outlined in the bill. The bill would also make “unauthorized streaming of copyrighted content a crime, with a maximum penalty of five years in prison for ten such infringements within six months” which basically means no more amazing videos of people paying homage to their favourite Lady Gaga song, a capella style…

Not only will this bill, if passed, ruin the beautiful freedom of entertainment and knowledge that is the Internet, there are also concerns that it will technically break the Internet. It won’t work anymore. Done. Gone. And if Google is against it, you know it can’t be good. Here’s what they’re doing to stop it.

Unfortunately, despite the fact that this effects the entire world, the only people that have a say in the matter are American senators. Find out how to contact yours here. But, if you simply want to show your support because that’s all you can do and it’s so frustrating, but that’s life, click here to find out more (including a full list of confirmed participants in the strike at the bottom of the page).

And now, what just might turn into our official protest song (a cover, appropriately enough)…

UPDATE: We will continue with our regularly scheduled “Bry Spy” next Wednesday.