Have you seen black avatars on Twitter? There is a reason for that:
Avatars on Twitter are blacking out their avatars in protest against a new law, Section 92A, that has passed in New Zealand.
The law stipulates that internet service providers (ISPs) “adopt and reasonably implement a policy that provides for termination, in appropriate circumstances of the account of a repeat [copyright] infringer” — likely a three-strikes policy that ultimately results in the internet disconnection of a user.
This language — which makes it possible for users that illegally swap files online to lose internet access without a trial — led filesharing advocates to dub the law “Guilty Upon Accusation.” It goes into effect on February 28.
I’ve seen several people asking why there are black avatars over the past day.
Here’s your reason why.
WANT TO READ MORE?