Wikipedia Editors Voice Concern Over SOPA Blackout

A whole host of Wikipedia’s volunteer editors are lashing out at the online encyclopedia for its 24 hour blackout in protest of the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA). The editors feel that the blackout could endanger the credibility of their work.

Editor Robert Lawton, a Michigan computer consultant said this of the blackout,

“My main concern is that it puts the organization in the role of advocacy, and that’s a slippery slope. Before we know it, we’re blacked out because we want to save the whales.”

The Stop Online Piracy Act and its twin sister the Protect IP Act look to make websites responsible for policing themselves in regards to any copyrighted materials. It gives corporations and the government the right to shut down any site it feels is in violation with no recourse or hearing.

Wikipedia decided to take this action after it polled its army of volunteers about whether the site should take a stand. After 1800 responses Wikipedia creator decided to get in the game.

He tweeted,

“The encyclopedia will always be neutral. The community need not be, not when the encyclopedia is threatened.”

There are some internet giants who think the blackout is foolish, but are completely against SOPA themselves.

The CEO of Twitter, Dick Costollo, who is very against SOPA tweeted the following,

“Closing a global business in reaction to single-issue national politics is foolish,”

It is unsure if the blackouts will have the effect they are hoping. It will remain to be seen if the bill passes or not. As of right now it does not have the support of the Obama Administration.

Do you think SOPA or PIPA should pass?