Changes

===Reactions to Blackout Day===

===Reactions to Blackout Day===

Prior to the Blackout protest, Cong. Smith criticized Wikipedia for "spreading misinformation about SOPA." The lawmaker pointed out that the bill will not harm the company, blogs or social networking sites. Smith described the blackout day as a "publicity stunt and disservice to users by promoting fear instead of facts."<ref>[http://mashable.com/2012/01/17/sopa-congress/ SOPA Author Attacks Wikipedia, Schedules Debate on Bill]</ref>

Cong. Smith, primary author of the SOPA criticized Wikipedia's blackout protest. He said that it is ironic to see the company "spreading misinformation" about the bill and he pointed out that it will not harm the company, blogs or social networking sites. Smith described the company's move as a "publicity stunt and disservice to users by promoting fear instead of facts."<ref>[http://mashable.com/2012/01/17/sopa-congress/ SOPA Author Attacks Wikipedia, Schedules Debate on Bill]</ref>

 

Chris Dodd, CEO of Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) and former Connecticut senator described the blackout protest as irresponsible and abuse of power. According to him, the action of technology companies against SOPA is dangerous gimmick and troubling.<ref>[http://gizmodo.com/5876984/the-mpaa-says-blackout-protests-are-an-abuse-of-power The MPAA Says Blackout Protests Are an Abuse of Power]</ref>

Following the SOPA blackout, many senators and congressmen withdrew their support of the bill. Marco Rubio and Tim Holden notably withdrew their support of PIPA and SOPA respectively, they were both co-sponsors of those respective bills.<ref>[http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20120118/11581717456/more-senators-dropping-off-as-co-sponsors-pipa.shtml?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter More Senators Dropping Off as Co-Sponsors PIPA, TechDirt.com]</ref>

Following the SOPA blackout, many senators and congressmen withdrew their support of the bill. Marco Rubio and Tim Holden notably withdrew their support of PIPA and SOPA respectively, they were both co-sponsors of those respective bills.<ref>[http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20120118/11581717456/more-senators-dropping-off-as-co-sponsors-pipa.shtml?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter More Senators Dropping Off as Co-Sponsors PIPA, TechDirt.com]</ref>

==Cong. Smith Suspends SOPA==

==Cong. Smith Suspends SOPA==