Websites Shut Down in Protest Over Anti-Piracy Bills

A number of popular websites replaced their usual content with protest messages to voice opposition to pending legislation in both houses of Congress that some believe would stifle innovation on the internet. Proponents of the proposed laws, the Stop Online Piracy Act in the House and the Protect IP (intellectual property) Act in the Senate, say the laws would reduce the sale of pirated or counterfeit goods online.