New Zealand updated its copyright law to apply to digital technologies, leading copyright representatives to lobby for penalties against infringement. The new law requires internet access providers to police copyright, potentially cutting off users after three warnings. In protest, New Zealand social media users blacked out their profiles, with the #blackout hashtag becoming the top trend on Twitter and gaining international support as the movement spread offline to Parliament.

1. #Blackout NZ

2. New Zealand decides to update its copyright law so that it can cope with digital technologies

6. Copyright representatives lobby to have the law penalise those deemed to be breaking copyright

7. The lawmakers decided to put the onus on anyone providing internet access to police this. These are called ISPs and now include anyone who provides internet access – libraries, schools, hospitals, cafes, employers ...

8. What does this mean for internet users in NZ ?

9. The Telecommunications Forum , representing the largest commercial ISPs in NZ draw up a code of practice

10. This indicates that if a user is accused of infringing copyright , they will receive an “educational” warning.

11. When they receive 3 warnings , the ISP will cut their internet access.

12. No jury

13. No Judge

14. No appeal

15. J’accuse, J’accuse, J’accuse ... You’re OUT

16. Protest!

21. NZ social media users have been blacking out their avatars

23. People are talking about it on Twitter leading to the mainstream media picking it up

24. #blackout has regularly been the top Twitter tag since the protest began - Beats American Idol!

25. Some people try satire ...

27. People take the protest to Parliament

32. The protest gains international support

37. Thanks to csm2mk flickr.com/photos/csm2mk/2393994620/

39. My human rights are being abused