A blackout protest by several major websites including Wikipedia seems to have had an effect.
The websites were protesting legislation in the House, called the Stop Online Piracy Act, and its companion bill in the Senate.
Both bills are aimed at curbing illegal downloads and streams of copyrighted materials.
Critics of the legislation say its too broad and would constrain free speech, curtail innovation and discourage new digital distribution methods.
One of the bill’s co-sponsors, Florida Republican Senator Marco Rubio has now withdrawn his support from the bill in its current form.
One website counted eighteen senators who voiced new opposition to the legislation.
The Senate is expected to review and make changes to the legislation next week.
The House is scheduled to review its bill next month.
See the original article at: KHON2 Developing Stories
