In the past few days the plugin repository has been flooded with new plugins for helping WordPress-powered sites protest the SOPA/PIPA bills. Everyone is rallying together to speak out against this very destructive bill that will be voted on January 24, 2012. An organized blackout will take place on January 18th. The following plugins will make it possible for you to participate in the blackout and/or protest on your own site with just a couple clicks. It’s not too late!
Stop SOPA Ribbon
On January 18th, many sites across the web will be protesting SOPA by going black, including Reddit and possibly Wikipedia, as well as tons of other smaller sites.
How to join the protest:
If you’d like to join the protest, it’s very easy. Download the Stop SOPA plugin from the WordPress repository. Many thanks to Brooke Dukes for creating this free tool to help the WordPress community protest. The STOP SOPA plugin will automatically blackout your site for you on January 18th from 8am to 8pm.
What will my site look like during the blackout?
You may have noticed the new black button on the WordPress.org website. WordPress has officially posted its opposition to the SOPA/PIPA bills, which are coming up for vote on January 24, 2012.
It’s no surprise that WordPress is making a public stand, as the software powers roughly 15% of the web. Anyone who has anything to do with the internet knows that SOPA drives a severe blow to innovation and freedom of speech.
Not familiar with the bills? Watch this video for a quick overview:
Here’s a quick comparison chart from KeepTheWebOpen.com that breaks down how these bills would be applied:
