BLACKOUT on 21 March 2019

EU Copyright Reform, Upload Filters, Article 13, and the Death of the User-Generated Internet

To inform the general public about the upcoming EU copyright reform and Article 13, the HeiDoc platforms and services are not operating on 21 March 2019. That includes HeiDoc.net, WinCert.net (blog and forum), ChristianDiscourse.net (Christian Debate), Wirbellosen-Auktionshaus.com, and the Windows ISO Downloader.

The Blackout Day is a Europe wide day of protest, initiated by Wikipedia, but many platforms are joining it.

What would be the impact of Article 13? Most platforms would be forced to implement upload filters for copyrigh protected videos, images, photos, other visuals, music, spoken words and text on any user-generated content. The impact on the freedom of speech and the freedom of information would be disastrous.

What would be the impact on HeiDoc? We could keep all static content, and the Wirbellosen-Auktionshaus marketplace, but probably not the forums (WinCert and Christian Debate) and social media channels (YouTube, Facebook, Twitter). So the impact on us as a business is really severe. For a bit more detailed information, watch our video.

What sources of information are there? What else can be done?

Sign the petition. There have been five million signers so far. Every signature counts.

Look up and use the hashtag #SaveYourInternet on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Join the massive offline protests on Saturday 23 March 2019.

Post a meme. (Don't forget the hashtag.)

Read the latest leaks by Julia Reda, MEP for the Pirate Party.

Look up your MEP's position, and in case they are pro copyright reform, write to them.

Make your vote count in the parliamentary elections in May.

Since the forums are offline today, the best way to get in touch is via Facebook.