If you visit the English-language version of Wikipedia today you’ll see this:
As has been widely reported, Wikipedia is one of a number of high profile websites which is shutting its doors today in protest at US anti-piracy moves.
That’s bad news if you’re a student hoping to use your usual trick of scouring Wikipedia for cut-and-paste into your homework. :)
But don’t fear, there’s an easy way to access Wikipedia.
Wikipedia’s blackout is achieved using some JavaScript. So, all you need is a trusty copy of the Firefox web browser and the popular NoScript add-on.
Simply disable scripts on wikipedia.org and wikimedia.org and..
Bingo!
Of course, NoScript isn’t just useful for accessing Wikipedia. It’s also tremendously useful for helping you decide which websites you trust to run scripts – helping prevent malicious scripts and malware from infecting your computer.
Update: Some readers have left comments concerned that I have not explained to casual visitors what SOPA/PIPA is, why some internet users are up in arms about it, or the reason for the blackouts. We’ve covered the topic a few times before on Naked Security, but you can also find out more on the Stop American Censorship website.
