RSS Eight US lawmakers withdraw their backing from anti-piracy laws being considered in Congress after "blackout" protests on thousands of internet sites.

Eight US lawmakers have withdrawn their support for anti-piracy laws, after "blackout" protests on thousands of internet sites.

Sopa support drops off as blackout protest rattles the internet 2.

RSS Eight US lawmakers withdraw support for anti-piracy legislation being considered in Congress after "blackout" protests on thousands of websites.

For 15 minutes on Sunday night, the capital was plunged in darkness, as citizens heeded a call for a "blackout" protest.

Thousands of internet sites are taking part in a "blackout" protest against anti-piracy laws being discussed by US lawmakers.

Wikpedia has decided to go ahead with its blackout protest anyway, claiming anti-piracy laws still pose a threat to existence.

The smart thing to have done would be to offer "no comment" on the blackout protest.

The protest will be matched on other major websites such as Reddit, a popular link-sharing service, and is unprecedented for the English version of Wikipedia, although the Italian version mounted a blackout protest in October against new libel laws.