FTC Shuts Down 'Pop-Up Trapping' Sites 442
Masem writes: "The FTC today ordered the shutdown of 5,500 sites owned by John Zuccarini, all of them the so-called 'typo' sites that common mis-entered URLs for popular sites (such as Annakurnikova.com); when the user visits these sites, their back button behavior in most popular browsers is modified as to open multiple pop-ups featuring ads for adult entertainment and gambling sites when pressed, and uses other technology to basically 'trap' the browser until the entire application has to be closed. While some sites are still operating, the FTC is going to take this matter to court, which may decide exactly how much control a web site can take over the end browser using JavaScript and ActiveX. CNet has the full story." Le Marteau contributes a link to the same story at the Washington Post.
Thank God! (Score:4, Funny)
hmmm.... (Score:2, Funny)
Well, it is a start I guess...
hey, he is trying... (Score:5, Funny)
Hey, give the guy a break, he's trying. He closes down most of his sites, but whenever he hits the "back" button they all start up again. Those damn javascript-based admin tools...
Neverending popup... (Score:4, Funny)
I think the troll link "comp-u-geek.com" (DON'T GO THERE!) does that...
Re:Thank God! (Score:4, Funny)
But seriously, I for one am glad the federal government is on top of this case. Just think of all the shoppers out there who were innocently looking to buy cupcakes online [ftc.gov] and got drawn into this insidious web of browser betrayal.
Now, could they do something about my problem? Every time I buy a new car, the trunk turns out to be mysteriously stuffed with black 30-gallon trash bags full of child pornography, gambling tokens, and a substantial fraction of body parts that somebody must be missing...
Re:Ashcroft's take? (Score:5, Funny)
Yes, but hacking your client to filter it is a DMCA violation.
Later reported: (Score:2, Funny)
In an ironic twist of fate, when Zuccarini attempted to take down his 5500 sites, 72,296 new sites were instantly spawned. When he tried to remove those, 9,375,012 more were created. The FTC suggests he reinstall brain 1.0
Great News! (Score:2, Funny)
Since there are some days when I can't even spell my own name correctly this will help me out a lot. I know you've been there too. Too much alcohol, not enough sleep, and the caffine is taking its sweet time to kick in.
Now if they'd only come out with spell-check for the location bar in my browser I'd be set!
Goran
Re:Wow! (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Does all this really work though? (Score:5, Funny)
Horny people who don't type well?