The Great Australian Internet Blackout is a combined online and offline demonstration against imposed online censorship. We’re collaborating with Electronic Frontiers Australia (and hoping to bring on similar organisations soon) to make sure every Australian knows why this draconian policy is unacceptable.

We’re gathering steam within the online community opposed to this policy, then broadening our audience with offline outreach efforts. Our first big demonstration will be during the week of Australia Day… websites across the country with go dark for the week, and we will celebrate the national holiday by joining the traditional Australia Day public parties across the nation, wearing black (hey, it’s a “blackout” after all!) and informing our fellow citizens about the threat of imposed online censorship.

Check out the website for more info, follow @OzNetBlackout on Twitter and get involved via Facebook group and events.

I’m joining the Internet blackout today, and not just for my New Zealand friends who are combating this draconian copyright fundamentalism… I’m joining it because if this kind of legislation succeeds in New Zealand — who have a pretty good history of sticking it to The Man — it could succeed anywhere.

Here’s a great cartoon about the problematic legislation from Scoop which very neatly explains the issue:

Update: New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has announced that S92A will go on hold until March 27, apparently hoping that an agreement will be reached on a voluntary code of practice. The legislation isn’t dead, but this is more than “just a flesh wound”.

Congratulations to the Creative Freedom Foundation for a well-organised, multi-facted and effective campaign against S92A… thanks also to Brenda and Nat, who worked tirelessly to hyper-connect Kiwis and their friends around the world.