Web designer creates free code for SOPA opponents

A Wellington-based website designer has created a free code for SOPA opponents to use on their websites.

The Stop Online Piracy Act, commonly abbreviated to SOPA, has drawn sharp criticism from many online companies and internet users. Thousands of websites are planning on "blacking out" their websites, to protest the legislation.

Notable opponents to the legislation include Internet NZ Chief Executive, Vikram Kumar, and Wikipedia's parent organisation, the Wikimedia Foundation.

Much of the concern regarding the legislation surrounds the ability for companies to abuse the complaints mechanism, blocking out competitors. If passed, SOPA could bar New Zealand companies from the lucrative American market.

Jack Mahoney, a Wellington website and app developer, has decided to create a free code available on his website, designed to alert New Zealanders to the concerns regarding SOPA.

"After learning about SOPA, I was surprised at the potential effect it might have on New Zealand users and businesses. I decided to create a free code so that New Zealanders understand why it's a threat" Mahoney said.

The code, which individuals may copy from Mahoney's site for free, gives a brief statement on SOPA's potential effects and invites users to either click for more information, to contact the United States Ambassador, or to continue to the website. Clicking anywhere except specific words hyperlinked will remove the sites "blacked out stage".

Persons interested in using the code are invited to test it at http://jackmahoney.co.nz/sopa . Mahoney's site provides simple instructions on how to copy the code into the formating for users seeking to "black out".

ENDS

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