Google stages online protest against SOPA and PIPA bills
Search engine giant Google has used its US homepage to protest against two congress bills being passed that it claims will censor the internet.
The SOPA and PIPA bills are set to be passed in the US in a bid to create tougher measures against online copyright theft, a measure that Google, alongside Wikipedia and other websites, have been vocal in opposing.
A link placed below the main Google search bar reads: “Tell Google: Please Don’t Censor the Web!” and once clicked takes the user through to a page that explains Google’s stances.
The page, which uses the phrase 'end piracy, not liberty' at the top, includes an infographic (see gallery) reads: “Millions of Americans oppose SOPA and PIPA because these bills would censor the Internet and slow economic growth in the U.S.
“Two bills before Congress, known as the Protect IP Act (PIPA) in the Senate and the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) in the House, would censor the Web and impose harmful regulations on American business. Millions of Internet users and entrepreneurs already oppose SOPA and PIPA.
“The Senate will begin voting on January 24th. Please let them know how you feel. Sign this petition urging Congress to vote NO on PIPA and SOPA before it is too late.”
A petition has been placed on the right hand side of the page allowing people to sign up against the bills.
Wikipedia has taken its US pages down for 24 hours as a protest, joining the likes of other website such as Reddit and BoingBoing.