Verizon shuts down access to Usenet

Verizon shuts down access to Usenet
Verizon has announced that they will be stopping access to tens of thousands of Usenet discussion areas including the very popular alt.* groups that have been around since the late 1980s.

Verizon spokesman Eric Rabe said only a select few newsgroups/discussion groups would be offered to customers going into the future. It appears the decision is in response to political "strong-arming" from New York State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo who wants strong restrictions on all newsgroups.



Cuomo added that his office had found child porn on at least 88 newsgroups, although that percentage is tiny compared to the over 90,000 newsgroups that exist. "We are attacking this problem by working with Internet service providers...I commend the companies that have stepped up today to embrace a new standard of responsibility, which should serve as a model for the entire industry," read a press statement from Cuomo's office.

Newsgroups are a pre-Web technology that has relied on ISPs and Universities to operate servers in which users can exchange messages and files.

With the decision however, comes the shut down of many useful newsgroups such as symantec.customerservice.general, us.military, microsoft.public.excel, and fr.soc.economie. which have longed helped users.

One user of the alt.hierarchy was very upset over the decision. "This is ridiculous. I actually met my wife on alt.personals, 14 years ago... I still use usenet - there are a lot good discussions and a person can get answers to questions on specific topics pretty quickly. It's nice to have a decentralized place to hold discussions, one that is not beholden to a sysadmin to correctly run a forum, one that's free of blinking gifs and flash ads."

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 15 Jun 2008 16:11
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  • 43 comments

  • iluvendo

    This action smacks of condonement to a totalitarian regime edict.

    15.6.2008 16:41 #1

  • jAmEsTn

    I see a pattern going on here. Time Warner's about to cut off Usenet at the end of June. Oh well I'll keep using my 3rd Party provider neway, it's worth the 13$/mo! :D

    15.6.2008 16:42 #2

  • Pop_Smith

    While I do agree that UseNet could be regulated to a point; however instead of killing off access to every group they should just kill the ones they find child porn on if that is their main concern and reason for shutting down access to these groups.

    15.6.2008 17:27 #3

  • ZippyDSM

    UUmmmmmm thats filtering the pipes and you can't do that as a commen carrier right?

    15.6.2008 17:48 #4

  • BurningAs

    This is so stupid. "Let's shut down all of newegroup because there is child porn on it."

    Why don't we just shut down society because there is crime?

    15.6.2008 18:11 #5

  • atomicxl

    Well, zero effect on me so I don't care. Torrents and forums ftw.

    15.6.2008 19:32 #6

  • ZippyDSM

    Originally posted by atomicxl: Well, zero effect on me so I don't care. Torrents and forums ftw.They iz next dear. *lickz*

    15.6.2008 20:35 #7

  • SProdigy

    Torrents are awful compared to a good downstream and decent 3rd party provider. Big deal the telcos are dropping access, many locals here didn't offer it anyway.

    And to comment on the story, finding child porn on 1% of the channels is awesome. I mean, we can allow more of a % of rat feces into our food for it to be government approved, but that doesn't stop it from being on the dinner table.

    15.6.2008 20:40 #8

  • susieqbbb

    I am not really going to miss usenet to many viruses fake usenet software and way to much illegal activity.

    I find this funny that it took them this long to see the problems with usenet it has to many holes to many work arounds and hacks even if you filter one usenet service another one wil be hacked and replace the filter with garbage.

    16.6.2008 01:43 #9

  • Blackjax

    Most uninformed users will never know it went away. It's just another form of control in an effort to stop "illegal" file sharing. Eventually you may see the rebirth of the BB in some form. No matter what they do to stop "illegal" file sharing people will find a way around it. Welcome to the new age media moguls you didn't change with the times now your paying the price!

    16.6.2008 01:45 #10

  • ZippyDSM

    Originally posted by susieqbbb: I am not really going to miss usenet to many viruses fake usenet software and way to much illegal activity.

    I find this funny that it took them this long to see the problems with usenet it has to many holes to many work arounds and hacks even if you filter one usenet service another one wil be hacked and replace the filter with garbage.    makes one wonder how soon before they hack it or find a different route to the data....

    16.6.2008 01:48 #11

  • nobrainer

    And yet again child porn is used to scare ppl into believing that removing freedom of speech is a good thing, just as the FAKE war on terror is used for stealing resources and expanding their empire.

    any Verizon customers its time to send in mail to the ceo and cancel your service.

    The BPI Are: SONY, UNIVERSAL, WARNER GROUP, EMI.
    The RIAA Soundexchange Are: SONY, UNIVERSAL, WARNER GROUP, EMI.
    The IFPI Are: The same anti consumer lot as listed above!
    The MPAA Are: SONY, UNIVERSAL, WARNER GROUP, DISNEY, PARAMOUNT, FOX.

    16.6.2008 02:58 #12

  • lxfactor

    i believe it stated.

    "Cuomo added that his office had found child porn"

    meaning it probably has to do with all the other content..

    16.6.2008 04:46 #13

  • lynchGOP

    Originally posted by iluvendo: This action smacks of condonement to a totalitarian regime edict.


    HELL YEAH IT DOES!!!!!!!!!!! The person that made/enacted this decision is better off dead!!

    16.6.2008 11:23 #14

  • subpopz

    Originally posted by atomicxl: Well, zero effect on me so I don't care. Torrents and forums ftw.
    Yup, torrents are great, being dependant on peers and ratios, and chaotic and fluctuating speeds. I can't imagine why anyone would sign up for Usenet it offers a consistent and faster speed that makes torrents look like dial-up.

    The most I've ever gotten for speed using torrents is a fluctuating 300-350kb/s. On Usenet (via newsdemon), I get a steady 1800kb/s.

    $16 a month is a tiny price to pay for that kind of service.

    16.6.2008 12:24 #15

  • ZippyDSM

    Quote:Originally posted by atomicxl: Well, zero effect on me so I don't care. Torrents and forums ftw.
    Yup, torrents are great, being dependant on peers and ratios, and chaotic and fluctuating speeds. I can't imagine why anyone would sign up for Usenet it offers a consistent and faster speed that makes torrents look like dial-up.

    The most I've ever gotten for speed using torrents is a fluctuating 300-350kb/s. On Usenet (via newsdemon), I get a steady 1800kb/s.

    $16 a month is a tiny price to pay for that kind of service.
    oh ya lack of parts of files, curopted data and tons of spam..its sooooo much better than a private tracker....

    :P

    16.6.2008 12:39 #16

  • wspdl

    So much for wanting Verizon FIOS.

    16.6.2008 13:17 #17

  • wanttono

    Verizon's off my list too............ ........ cant let the corps take over the net ... this is another variation of net neutrality
    ......
    Luck to us all
    Frank

    16.6.2008 15:36 #18

  • ThePastor

    If they stopped running usenet servers then fine. You get what you pay for, but what is going to happen when they filter usenet packets so you cannot even sign up for a third party server?

    This is a losing battle. Big Brother will get what they want, a completely regulated, non-annonomous, controlled Internet.

    16.6.2008 16:11 #19

  • simpsim1

    Originally posted by ZippyDSM: oh ya lack of parts of files, curopted data and tons of spam..its sooooo much better than a private tracker....

    :P    Lack of parts = Pars and improved retention.
    Corrupted data = See above.
    Tons of spam = Using indexing service usually gets you what you want.

    I could give you plenty of cons about trackers if you want, such as the risks of trackers being compromised along with peers details (Oink.cd ring any bells), the fact that you have to upload (Latency and all that), system/connection speed slowdowns, etc.

    I'm sorry for disrespecting BT, Heck knows I've used it enough myself (and still do on odd occasions as it does still own for amount of stuff available) but if you know how to get the best from it and you got the right resources, Usenet definately has my vote.

    16.6.2008 17:06 #20

  • bhetrick

    Originally posted by ThePastor: If they stopped running usenet servers then fine. You get what you pay for, but what is going to happen when they filter usenet packets so you cannot even sign up for a third party server?

    This is a losing battle. Big Brother will get what they want, a completely regulated, non-annonomous, controlled Internet.    This is what I'm wondering... will it affect third party servers?

    I use Time Warners servers, and I have zero complaints. I don't pay extra for access so I really can't bitch about them shutting down. I'll join a private server...

    ... but will I still be able to or will those be blocked also?

    16.6.2008 17:14 #21

  • mspurloc

    So...

    they want to tax you even more than they already do;
    put a cap on the "unlimited" bandwidth you're paying through the nose for;
    tell you what you can and can't download;
    and now they want to tell you where you can go with the bandwidth you're paying for and not getting;

    but you're all still okay with that, huh?
    Hmmm.

    16.6.2008 19:08 #22

  • bhetrick

    Originally posted by mspurloc: So...

    they want to tax you even more than they already do;
    put a cap on the "unlimited" bandwidth you're paying through the nose for;
    tell you what you can and can't download;
    and now they want to tell you where you can go with the bandwidth you're paying for and not getting;

    but you're all still okay with that, huh?
    Hmmm.    wtf... maybe you should try reading the posts.

    16.6.2008 20:13 #23

  • sulak

    Check out this link and position on the subject: http://www.lp.org/issues/internet

    16.6.2008 21:34 #24

  • djeazyg

    I'm sorry if this is a stupid question but does this effect those of us who use Giganews or other provider?
    I'm guessing it is only a matter of time before Comcast does the same thing.

    17.6.2008 00:57 #25

  • Footie979

    A support person from Easynews said third party Usenet should not be affected, at least not for EN.

    17.6.2008 01:18 #26

  • simpsim1

    Third party usenet servers will only be affected if ISPs take action to block their traffic. Already, several ISPs do this by throttling traffic on known ports so that it becomes difficult to get a constant speed. In my view though, the more savvy user is just going to switch to servers with SSL encryption (Which often uses the same port as https) or to VPN type tunnels to make it more difficult for the ISPs to track them. Funny how attempts to stop it will probably drive it further underground and make it far more resistant to their efforts to stamp it out.

    Regarding Mr Cuomo's assertion that Usenet is riddled with child porn, I've been using Usenet for nearly three years now and it's extremely rare that I have come across it. I would summise that more often than not, you would have to be looking for it in order to find it.

    My opinions come with no warranty whatsoever, but are totally open-source, so you can reverse engineer or decompile them as you see fit. All other rights reserved.

    "Freedom" in the west consists of: Freedom of speech, freedom of opinion and freedom of movement. So why is it then, that people want to know what youre saying, what you think of them and where you are?

    17.6.2008 09:11 #27

  • ByrneJ01

    While I have a total and abject hatered for child porn and those repulsive creatures that have anything got to do with it, I want to know who died and made Cuomo "The World Policeman, Judge and Jury.

    Have we not learned from Bush??? Was he not the "World Policeman" who went into Iraq, destroyed that country and it's people just to fill his pocket?? And for what?? has he not got enough money already? what sort of F***** up world is he leaving to his children??

    17.6.2008 14:25 #28

  • mspurloc

    Originally posted by bhetrick: Originally posted by mspurloc: So...

    they want to tax you even more than they already do;
    put a cap on the "unlimited" bandwidth you're paying through the nose for;
    tell you what you can and can't download;
    and now they want to tell you where you can go with the bandwidth you're paying for and not getting;

    but you're all still okay with that, huh?
    Hmmm.    wtf... maybe you should try reading the posts.    (eye roll) As if posting is doing anything. You think Verizon reads this forum? All they care about are dollars and feet. Protest somewhere that matters! Contribute to the EFF! Vote with your wallet by dumping Verizon and let them know you did. Write a letter to your local commission or politician. Threaten their monopoly in your area. In short, DO something! You'll feel better. I did.

    17.6.2008 14:44 #29

  • mspurloc

    Originally posted by ByrneJ01: While I have a total and abject hatered for child porn and those repulsive creatures that have anything got to do with it, I want to know who died and made Cuomo "The World Policeman, Judge and Jury.

    Have we not learned from Bush??? Was he not the "World Policeman" who went into Iraq, destroyed that country and it's people just to fill his pocket?? And for what?? has he not got enough money already? what sort of F***** up world is he leaving to his children??    Prove Bush has made a dime off of it.
    If you're really concerned about the world we're leaving to our children, how about keeping a world together where they won't get their heads cut off for dating?

    None of your last paragraph has anything to do with this Verizon story. Seems like trolling to me.

    17.6.2008 15:36 #30

  • TSRSteve

    Quote:Originally posted by ByrneJ01: While I have a total and abject hatered for child porn and those repulsive creatures that have anything got to do with it, I want to know who died and made Cuomo "The World Policeman, Judge and Jury.

    Have we not learned from Bush??? Was he not the "World Policeman" who went into Iraq, destroyed that country and it's people just to fill his pocket?? And for what?? has he not got enough money already? what sort of F***** up world is he leaving to his children??    Prove Bush has made a dime off of it.
    If you're really concerned about the world we're leaving to our children, how about keeping a world together where they won't get their heads cut off for dating?

    None of your last paragraph has anything to do with this Verizon story. Seems like trolling to me.    Talk about off topic and trolling. Look who's talking. Bush's main business is oil and oil has doubled since he destablized the area. He is deffinently making money and his children will never have to worry about money.

    17.6.2008 17:29 #31

  • mspurloc

    Originally posted by TSRSteve: Quote:Originally posted by ByrneJ01: While I have a total and abject hatered for child porn and those repulsive creatures that have anything got to do with it, I want to know who died and made Cuomo "The World Policeman, Judge and Jury.

    Have we not learned from Bush??? Was he not the "World Policeman" who went into Iraq, destroyed that country and it's people just to fill his pocket?? And for what?? has he not got enough money already? what sort of F***** up world is he leaving to his children??    Prove Bush has made a dime off of it.
    If you're really concerned about the world we're leaving to our children, how about keeping a world together where they won't get their heads cut off for dating?

    None of your last paragraph has anything to do with this Verizon story. Seems like trolling to me.    Talk about off topic and trolling. Look who's talking. Bush's main business is oil and oil has doubled since he destablized the area. He is deffinently making money and his children will never have to worry about money.    Proof.
    Evidence.
    Rather than emotion and hysterics, give me empirical, indisputable evidence.
    You have none.

    17.6.2008 17:32 #32

  • ZippyDSM

    The proof is dubya has wasted lives and money to get us into age old pissing matchs between theocratic ravials and letting his buds in power have thier wet slimly way with it.

    lets not forget enron,haliberton and the rest of the good old boy network that will aid Mcain if elected in the further downfall of us government.

    17.6.2008 18:14 #33

  • simpsim1

    How can you tell this is election year kiddies?

    18.6.2008 02:17 #34

  • ZippyDSM

    Originally posted by simpsim1: How can you tell this is election year kiddies?
    how can you forget you have a intelligent double speaking black dim in one corner and a spineless(he gave it up to the reaper masters) and balless(lobbist GF has them) and an old status quo war horse(thats reaper status quo) in the other.

    At least theres a hint of intelligence in one side its a far far cry from dubya I owe everything I haz now as a graduation present from daddy, its so great to be rich(not like Obama is hurting for cash WOZZER) but at least theres a brain there and is the lesser of evils since a 3rd party vote is a none vote, even if you look past the PR do uble speak of "I iz change" its better than Mc"I once had a backbone and oppsed the dark leaders... now I am one" Kain......

    I still like the anti regulation theme of ron paul the best,but the reapers finished him off quick as the quack candidate... how RP can be worse than Duyba,Darth cheany and lord ash"all ur art/thought belong to porg(puritan anti tech borg)"croft I do not know....

    At least Hiltlery is dead in the water.... I wonder if she will get the 10 milloin she loaned herself back.....wut?
    fcking rich people.... eat them all......*scuffle scuffle brwwaaiinnssssss*

    oh god that felt soooooooo good ^^

    18.6.2008 02:31 #35

  • Blackjax

    Yikes Zippy! You can use the wood from that soap box to keep warm all winter. ;-)

    18.6.2008 05:00 #36

  • simpsim1

    Is every thread from now until November going to be hijacked as a political campaign tool or could we actually get discussions that are anywhere near on topic?

    I have to say - not being from your side of the water - that I'm not the slightest bit interested in who wins your election. They'll all still roll over and play dead with the content industry anyway. I thought that this was going to be a reasonable discussion about how ISPs are now being forced to become increasingly complicit with demands from greedy industry bosses who's business models went out with the Ark.

    If it's political arguments you want I'll gladly give them to you, but not in this forum...

    18.6.2008 10:18 #37

  • mspurloc

    Originally posted by ZippyDSM: The proof is dubya has wasted lives and money to get us into age old pissing matchs between theocratic ravials and letting his buds in power have thier wet slimly way with it.

    lets not forget enron,haliberton and the rest of the good old boy network that will aid Mcain if elected in the further downfall of us government.    Again, no evidence to support the original claims.
    Just hysterics and a lot of blather (sorry, but that's what it is) that's not relevant to the subject matter.

    18.6.2008 12:40 #38

  • xboxd00d

    Usenet is a million times better than torrents, which suck in a very big way, as simpsim1 said, its quick, clean, and simple, u pay to get a ultra fast connection (isp dependant), with no bullsh*t, no "seeding" for 3 times longer than it took to download (and thats on a strong torrent), less chance of fake downloads (eg. gta san andreas been available months before its release, an obvious fake).
    Coupled with the nzb file system usenet is fantastic, on torrents I was lucky to get 80k - 100k/sec, usenet gives me about 730k/sec (my isp sux im afraid).
    As for corrupt files, PAR2 files are your friend, black voodoo magic i dont really understand, all i know is, they work :-)
    Astraweb do a pay-by-download plan, no monthly fee, just buy 90gb of download credit and use it only when there is something good to download.

    19.6.2008 18:47 #39

  • gehx

    Quote:Quote:Originally posted by atomicxl: Well, zero effect on me so I don't care. Torrents and forums ftw.
    Yup, torrents are great, being dependant on peers and ratios, and chaotic and fluctuating speeds. I can't imagine why anyone would sign up for Usenet it offers a consistent and faster speed that makes torrents look like dial-up.

    The most I've ever gotten for speed using torrents is a fluctuating 300-350kb/s. On Usenet (via newsdemon), I get a steady 1800kb/s.

    $16 a month is a tiny price to pay for that kind of service.
    oh ya lack of parts of files, curopted data and tons of spam..its sooooo much better than a private tracker....

    :P    sorry zippy (don't mean to dog you out), but you don't have a clue....look into usenet and you'll see that everything you listed has solutions; it's no problem, much faster than p2p and a helluva lot faster

    19.6.2008 22:40 #40

  • ZippyDSM

    Quote:Quote:Quote:Originally posted by atomicxl: Well, zero effect on me so I don't care. Torrents and forums ftw.
    Yup, torrents are great, being dependant on peers and ratios, and chaotic and fluctuating speeds. I can't imagine why anyone would sign up for Usenet it offers a consistent and faster speed that makes torrents look like dial-up.

    The most I've ever gotten for speed using torrents is a fluctuating 300-350kb/s. On Usenet (via newsdemon), I get a steady 1800kb/s.

    $16 a month is a tiny price to pay for that kind of service.
    oh ya lack of parts of files, curopted data and tons of spam..its sooooo much better than a private tracker....

    :P    sorry zippy (don't mean to dog you out), but you don't have a clue....look into usenet and you'll see that everything you listed has solutions; it's no problem, much faster than p2p and a helluva lot faster
    I was half joking :P, still tho I refuse to pay for it when I have private trackers free of virus and broken apps.

    Its a for profit venture based on stolen data at least with a free private tracker there is not a heavy profit motive.

    19.6.2008 22:55 #41

  • DVDBack23

    Why pay though? If you are on the good private trackers you will max out your connection every time, without paying a monthly fee.

    20.6.2008 01:23 #42

  • bhetrick

    Well, Time Warner shut theirs down today. I went to their faq page, and look what I found:





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    "A fart is simplily a turd honking to get on the Hershey Highway"

    23.6.2008 19:37 #43

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