Department of Homeland Security Targets Torrent Sites
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These guys have their problems, but DHS isn't one of them.
CREDIT: The Pirate Bay |
Everyone who tried to illegally download "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" or the last couple of "Boardwalk Empire" episodes over the long weekend maybe have encountered a bit of a problem when, on November 27th, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shut down a number of torrent download sites. DHS has refused to comment on why they targeted torrent sites, why they chose those sites in particular or the timing of the warrant service.
Even stranger, the operation, first reported by PC Magazine, was conducted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) branch of DHS. Mostly involved in seizing drugs and stopping illegal immigration, the inclusion of ICE only raises more questions.
In particular, the all-purpose sites TorrentFreak.com and Torrent-Finder.com, along with retail sites mydreamwatches.com and nfljerseysupply.com were shut down by DHS. When, if ever, those sites will go back online remains unknown.
* UPDATE: DHS has put out a press release with more details about the raids. Named "Operation In Our Sites v. 2.0", the action targeted 82 websites accused of selling counterfeit brand-name merchandise. The torrent sites were only a smaller component of a larger crackdown aimed to coincide with Cyber Monday sales.
ICE became involved with the project since the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center operates out of ICE, and in coordination with a number of state, national and international law enforcement agencies.
