The Wayback Machine and the Internet Archive are experiencing outages due to a combination of issues, including a Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attack and a power outage at one of their data centers. A group known as “Blackmeta” has claimed responsibility for the DDoS attacks, though the exact motivations behind them remain unclear. At the same time, the Internet Archive has been dealing with legal challenges, including a court case related to copyright infringement, which led to the removal of over 500,000 books from its online library.
Brewster Kahle, the founder of the Internet Archive, has been updating the public on the situation, stating that their team is working to restore services. However, parts of the site are still down intermittently. This is not the first time DDoS attacks have targeted the Internet Archive, as it has been a frequent target due to its role in preserving digital information that some parties might prefer to keep hidden. The Internet Archive is also facing challenges related to its legal battles with publishers, which may add to its current difficulties as it continues to fight for the preservation of open access to information.
In addition to the DDoS attacks, there are claims of a data breach impacting around 31 million user accounts. This breach has raised concerns about the security of user information. The Internet Archive has acknowledged these issues and is working to restore service, but users may still encounter difficulties accessing the site.
The Internet Archive and its Wayback Machine have faced several controversies over the years:
– They have been involved in legal battles with publishers, most notably over its digital lending program. A New York court ruled against the Archive, forcing it to remove 500,000 books from its collection.
– The Wayback Machine has been criticized for archiving content without the consent of website owners.
– Some governments and organizations have pressured the Archive to remove specific content, often leading to debates on censorship and information control.
X is back in Brazil
It seems that X has resumed operations in Brazil after a period of uncertainty. This resurgence is part of a broader strategy to enhance user experience and engagement within the country. The social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has resumed operations in Brazil after complying with court orders that it had initially resisted.
Brazil’s Supreme Court lifted the suspension after X agreed to appoint a legal representative in the country and paid fines totaling $3.28 million. The platform had been suspended over its failure to address the spread of misinformation and hate speech. X has stated its commitment to maintaining free speech within the boundaries of the law in Brazil.
Key Points
– Increased Focus on Local Content: X is likely to emphasize local trends and issues to better serve Brazilian users.
– New Features: There may be new tools and features tailored for the Brazilian market, aimed at enhancing communication and interactivity.
– Community Engagement: X is expected to foster stronger community engagement through events and campaigns relevant to Brazilian culture and society.
X (formerly Twitter) was suspended in Brazil for failing to comply with court orders requiring it to act against the spread of misinformation and hate speech. The platform initially refused to appoint a legal representative in Brazil, which led to fines and asset freezes.
Musk has publicly criticized de Moraes, labeling him an “evil dictator” and accusing him of infringing on free speech rights. This rhetoric intensified the conflict, with Musk asserting that X would cease operations in Brazil if the judge’s orders were enforced. The Supreme Court lifted the ban only after X began adhering to these legal requirements and paid the imposed fines.