Protecting an uncensored Internet: the global response to SOPA legislation

In late January 2012, internet companies such as Google, Wikipedia, Flickr, Mozilla Firefox shut down their sites in protest against the introduction of the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and the Protect Intellectual Property Act (PIPA). Millions of internet users took to social media to pledge their disapproval for these laws which opponents claim will threaten free speech and innovation. The power of this public response caused the withdrawal of support from key politicians, defeating the legislation and sending it back to the drawing boards.

This expert panel looks at the legislation and explains why it was introduced, analyses the response from the Internet community and the bigger issues surrounding online piracy and Internet censorship.

Featuring Dr Nic Suzor (QUT researcher in law and technology), Dr Sean Rintel (UQ, social communication technology researcher), and Dr Axel Bruns (QUT researcher in produsage, social media mapping, citizen journalism, online publishing).

6pm, Wednesday 1st February

State Library of Queensland

Auditorium 1, level 2

Free, bookings via slq.eventbrite.com 3840 7768 or The Library Shop

More information: 07 3840 7768 or learningparticipation@slq.qld.gov.au