How Firms Try to Stifle Online Criticism
Trademarks, copyrights, and other frivolous claims.
We frequently see firms use UDRP to try to shut down domains critical of their businesses. But through running Reglike, I can tell you that it doesn’t stop there. They often try to use other means and threats to remove content that puts the firm in a negative light.
I’ve received complaints from people (typically complainants) when I write regarding how they lost a UDRP. They say my article is generating negative press for them. I typically respond “No kidding. You tried to steal a domain and thought no one would find out regarding it. That’s why I’m here.”
Sometimes they go further, trying to claim some sort of copyright infringement for fair use of a logo or screenshot.
Take a look at an ongoing headache Scott Jarkoff of TechMiso is experiencing. Last month he wrote a post regarding a security vulnerability at the Navy Federal Credit Union web site. He later received what seemed to be a form letter from security firm RSA claiming trademark infringement. It appears that the initial communication was sent by a bot that saw Navy Federal Credit Union in his blog URL. But when he responded, he received another email:
…The problem with the material on the blog is that it suggests that Navy Federal’s website is not secure.
You claim in your Blog that you care regarding NFCU and its clients whereas the blog you wrote only confuses and frightens the clients.
The bank has asked RSA Security to try taking the offending blog down…
It doesn’t appear that the bank actually asked RSA to help take the page down, based on a comment from an NFCU PR person on TechMiso.
Following Jarkoff responded he assumed the saga was over. But then RSA sent a take down notice to his host, to which he had to respond.
This is harassment. Even though RSA (and let’s blame them, not NFCU) has no legal standing for its complaints or request, Jarkoff has to spend time defending himself.
On the plus side, it shows that someone cares regarding what Jarkoff is writing. That’s how I react when someone is upset regarding an article. It means I did a good job.
