FBI Subpoenas Archive.is Web Registrar
The FBI has issued a subpoena to the web domain registrar Tucows. This action is part of an effort to uncover the identity of the owner of Archive.today and its mirrors, including Archive.is and Archive.ph.
Details of the Subpoena
The subpoena, which was made public via Archive.today’s official X account, demands several pieces of information:
- Customer or subscriber name
- Address of service
- Billing address
- Telephone records
- Payment information
- Internet session info
- Network addresses
- Services used, such as email or cloud computing
This information is requested as part of a federal criminal investigation, although no specific crime has been mentioned.
Background on Archive.today
Archive.today has been operational since 2012. Despite its long presence, the owner’s identity remains largely unknown. The original domain was registered by someone using the name “Denis Petrov,” a common Russian name, from Prague, Czech Republic.
The site is known for allowing users to bypass paywalls, similar to the now-defunct 12ft.io. The latter was taken down following claims of offering illegal circumvention technology to access copyrighted content without payment.
Key Takeaways
- The FBI is seeking the identity of Archive.is’s owner.
- A subpoena was sent to Tucows for detailed user information.
- Archive.today is used to bypass paywalls, raising legal concerns.
FAQ
Why is the FBI interested in Archive.is?
The FBI is conducting a federal criminal investigation and seeks to identify the owner of Archive.is, although the specific crime has not been disclosed.
What information does the FBI want from Tucows?
The FBI subpoena requests the name, address, billing details, and various service-related information of Archive.today’s owner.
Who is believed to own Archive.today?
The domain was registered by someone using the name “Denis Petrov” from Prague, but their true identity remains unconfirmed.
Summary
The FBI’s subpoena of Tucows aims to reveal the identity of the owner behind Archive.today and its mirror sites. This investigation highlights the legal complexities surrounding sites that allow users to bypass paywalls, a concern for businesses dealing with content access and copyright issues. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for companies managing their digital assets and compliance with legal standards.
Source: FBI subpoenas the web registrar behind Archive.is – theverge.com