SOPA Strike: how local Philadelphia tech organizations are protesting the federal legislation

Billed as the largest online protest in history, there is a local spin to the SOPA Strike, aimed at keeping the heat on controversial legislation aimed at curbing online piracy. Critics say the legislation is too broadly written, as to allow limitation of any social web tool that allows the sharing of intellectual property — think Youtube, Twitter and Facebook.

Today, a call for a ‘blackout’ has led to major websites like Google and Wikipedia to limit their functionality or site look to convey what could be lost if the federal legislation moves forward. Several Philadelphia companies have joined the fray, the day of a House Judiciary Committee hearing on the bill, even though President Obama has said he would veto the bill in its current form.

See other ways local companies are protesting today, including what might be the funniest strike of them all.

Message on Azavea.com

Today, when users visit the website of GIS firm Azavea, they are greeted by a popup calling to reach out to Congressional representation, and Old City Drupal development shop Zivtech has blacked out its entire site, as has nearby videogame design firm CipherPrime and design agency Mighty Engine. A Drexel group is blacking out one of its servers.  Transit Android app SEPTAdroid has a banner ad. Local niche media has joined in as well, including the Drink Nation and the Green Skeptic, among others.

After releasing last month an anti-SOPA song called Firewall, local songwriter and Philly.com producer Leah Kauffman released a remix this week.

Message on CipherPrime.com

Message on TheMightyEngine.com