DHS "accidentally" seized 84,000 web domains

In a joint operation called "Operation Protect Our Children" by the Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ), executed "seizure warrants against 10 domain names of websites engaged in the advertisement and distribution of child pornography as part of "Operation Protect Our Children"—a new joint operation between DOJ and DHS’ U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to target sites that provide child pornography."

(Full press release article by the DHS available here.)

One of the domains in question (mooo.com) was hosted via FreeDNS, which offers services for more than 84,000 web domains, which were not among the suspects. These over 84,000 domains were unreachable due to the seizure, and remained offline for a few days.

Homeland Security did not want to comment on this matter to US media...

Without a doubt, child pornography is something that should indeed be abolished and people producing and distributing it should be prosecuted - but the authorities should learn how to pinpoint them properly, instead of dragging innocent web users into that net... I wonder what will happen, if next they're not on the stakeout for child porn, but for web content criticizing US govt. methods... at least they successfully tried out the mechanics of silencing a large number of web sites with this "accident".

Wiggling bare toes,

~*Ganesha*~

 

im not mat so a few porn sites went down for a few days because they wanted to make the world a better place. Im not mad at all. Go DHS and DOJ

 

as far as I'm concerned, if your website even HINTS at the fact that there might me child porn on it you are scum for allowing it to continue and deserve to be shut down immediately. I'm not one to say the ends justify the means normally, but in this case they do.

 

Well, check this out:
http://www.pcworld.com/businesscent...y_links_84000_seized_sites_to_child_porn.html

"Imagine you're a respectable, law-abiding owner of a small business. You show up to your shop one morning, only to find the doors barred and a big sign in front window reading, "The federal government has seized this business as it's affiliated with creating, distributing, and/or storing child pornography." "

"Whether this incident was caused by sheer carelessness or intentional abuse, it sets a disheartening precedent (or some critics might argue that it perpetuates a disturbing trend.) Yes, the Internet is, in many ways, a lawless and untamed place where cyber crime is rampant. Individuals and businesses alike need to be protected. No one in their right mind would criticize the feds for shutting down sites dedicated to something as vile as child pornography. At the same time, that protection should not come at the expense of any individual's livelihood, freedom of expression, or civil liberties."

Wiggling bare toes,

~*Ganesha*~

 

I agree with the idea of these happenings. Child pornography should be banned indefinitely to stop the spread of the disease or whatever you'd like to call it. It is certainly a disgusting thing and should be dealt with severely. Though, I'm not sure I agree with the actions and the process used to deal with the obscenity. Go DHS and DOJ, as long as it's legal not unconstitutional. In my own opinion, websites like that are enablers for sex offenders, but at the same time, the accessible media could be used to keep people like that at bay. idk, I think it's the former tho and not the latter. More of an enabler than a suppressor. Hope the point I'm trying to make isn't too confusing. I just don't like the idea of asset seizure.

Long story short... Thank you government!