KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Malaysian Internet users have protested an amended law that they fear will stifle online freedom of expression.
The campaign aims to reverse an amendment to Malaysia's Evidence Act that makes people more accountable for statements published on websites and social networks.
Officials say the change is meant to help prosecute offenders who commit libel or make criminal threats online.
But nongovernment activists insist it could cause a clampdown on online opinion and leave bloggers and website owners vulnerable to being charged for comments made by others on their sites.
An "Internet Blackout" campaign Tuesday prompted scores of Malaysian websites and blogs to display dark banners criticizing the amendment that came into effect last month.
Hundreds of people also posted messages of support for the campaign on Facebook and Twitter.
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