SOPA/PROTECT-IP Blackout Simulator

The purpose of this client-side Javascript code is to demonstrate what the Internet might start to look like, if the SOPA/PROTECT-IP legislative bills are passed.

The average, apolitical web user needs to have a visceral taste of what this would mean.

Use It

The only hard dependency is either jQuery or Zepto.

Build it into your site with one easy script tag:

    <script src="http://vilimpoc.org/sbs.js">
	

Add two CSS definitions:

    div.blackoutOverlay
    div.blackoutOverlay a
	

And one easy function call:

    $(document).ready(function() {
        simulateBlackout({
            "selectors": "div", 
            "language": "en", 
            "percentage": 100});
    });
	

The DOM elements matched by the "selectors" parameter will be overlaid with the text you see to the left, or, depending on the "language" parameter, with a translation of your choice.

When clicked on, the overlay will then disappear.

Rationale

The free flow of information on the Internet is the pinnacle currency of our time. If the provisions of these new laws are allowed to eliminate the Section 230 safe harbor provisions of the Communications Decency Act of 1996, they will cause heavy damage to the online platforms that have done much to evolve our culture in the digital age.

This will not stand, man, this aggression will not stand.

Translations would be greatly appreciated. Contact me if you have one, or contribute one on Github. Spanish and Chinese are desperately needed. Comments and suggestions on Github or on the blog are welcome.