Wikipedia joins the Internet blackout today

Wikipedia has removed it’s site from use today in opposition to new laws being debated in US congress. The move took place at 5am this morning and simply replaces all content with a black page.

The world famous information site plans to oppose heavily the US Stop Online Piracy Act (Sopa) and Protect Intellectual Property Act (Pipa) that is about to be discussed in Congress. While the act’s aren’t directly related to the rest of the world, it does show how a massive website like Wikipedia can stand up to new laws being passed.

The founder Jimmy Wales has always impressed readers with the fact that Wikipedia is a completely non-profit organisation and always intends to keep it free of advertising. The popular site is supported by donations from the public in periodic fund-raising phases.