[Lex Computer & Tech Group/LCTG] Looking for sites blocked by paywalls or remove-ad-blockers

Mon Nov 13 10:42:55 PST 2023

 Many sites have been adopting the same tactics to force people to turn off ad blockers which the subscription sites have been using to force people to pay for subscriptions.
The problem is, all of these tactics impede the free flow of information. That can also be problematic. The data silo effect is already an impediment to research and development in many industries. 
-- Bob Primak 

    On Monday, November 13, 2023 at 01:37:52 PM EST, jjrudy1 at comcast.net <jjrudy1 at comcast.net> wrote:  

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I suppose one could make a similar argument, then, about ad-blockers

From: LCTG <lctg-bounces+jjrudy1=comcast.net at lists.toku.us> On Behalf Of Robert Primak via LCTG
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 1:35 PM
To: 'David Lees' <joeoptics at gmail.com>; carllazarus at comcast.net
Cc: 'Lex Computer Group' <lctg at lists.toku.us>; 'Steve Isenberg' <smisenberg at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Lex Computer & Tech Group/LCTG] Looking for sites blocked by paywalls or remove-ad-blockers

Much of the time, I find similar content at sites where I don't have to pay for large volumes of content I will never use.

I agree that if a site has a policy and people try to circumvent that policy, it can impact the ability of the site to fulfill its business model for making money. 

-- Bob Primak 

On Monday, November 13, 2023 at 01:16:55 PM EST, <carllazarus at comcast.net> wrote: 

Exactly my thought.  We may be talking about large entities such as the NY Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, etc. but if we want them to continue to exist they need to be able to pay their expenses and make some money.

-- Carl

From: LCTG <lctg-bounces+carllazarus=comcast.net at lists.toku.us> On Behalf Of David Lees via LCTG
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2023 1:12 PM
To: Robert Primak <bobprimak at yahoo.com>
Cc: Lex Computer Group <lctg at lists.toku.us>; Steve Isenberg <smisenberg at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Lex Computer & Tech Group/LCTG] Looking for sites blocked by paywalls or remove-ad-blockers

You could also discuss the ethical issues of not paying for things that people trying to make a living are doing?

David Lees 
>From Pixel 6 Pro

On Mon, Nov 13, 2023, 1:00 PM Robert Primak via LCTG <lctg at lists.toku.us> wrote:

You are NOT committing any crime by using most evasion techniques available to the general public (not tech-savvy hackers).

I don't know what Steve has or had in mind, but no one can take any legal actions against anyone for publicly discussing these tactics. 

Please refer to You Tube's Terms of Use and Zoom's code of user conduct if in any further doubt. Other sites also have terms of use. 

-- Bob Primak

On Monday, November 13, 2023 at 12:52:44 PM EST, Steve Isenberg via LCTG <lctg at lists.toku.us> wrote: 

Gentlepeople,

After much consideration, discussing with several people, and consulting with ChatGPT, I've decided not to demonstrate this.  We can discuss the situation on Wednesday's Potpourri but I no longer feel comfortable giving a demonstration for legal reasons.  My apologies.

I'm open to comments.

-steve

Here's what I've learned from ChatGPT:

Steve asks ChatGPT:

suppose I have found a way to get around a paywall without paying or subscribing, or to get around a site's requirement to disable all ad blockers without disabling ad blockers, and I can do this only on my computer and without accessing or tampering with the website. Am I committing a crime or doing something that would subject me to a lawsuit or other legal action by the website owner?

ChatGPT responds (edited):

Circumventing paywalls or other access restrictions without authorization may be a violation of the website's terms of service, which could potentially lead to legal consequences. Additionally, in some jurisdictions, such actions could be considered unauthorized access, hacking, or a violation of computer security laws.
If you find a way to bypass paywalls and other measures that protect the website content without permission, it may be seen as a violation of the website's rights and could result in legal action.

I asked Aria the same question and it responds (edited):

It's important to note that bypassing paywalls or circumventing a website's requirements without permission may be considered unethical or even illegal in some jurisdictions. Here are a few points to consider:
Websites have the right to protect their content and enforce their terms of service.
Unauthorized access to paid content or finding ways to bypass paywalls may violate copyright laws or terms of service agreements.
Engaging in such activities could potentially subject you to legal action by the website owner, such as a lawsuit or other legal consequences.

Harry asked a similar question addressing only circumventing paywalls, and got the response (edited):

Bypassing a paywall of a website without a subscription could potentially be considered a violation of the website's terms of service or terms of use. It may also infringe upon copyright laws or other applicable laws, depending on the jurisdiction. Engaging in such activities could potentially have legal consequences, including the possibility of facing legal action from the website owner. It is always advisable to respect the terms and conditions set by website owners and to seek proper legal means to access content.

On Mon, Nov 13, 2023 at 12:01 PM Robert Primak <bobprimak at yahoo.com> wrote:

The Boston Globe and the New York Times hide a lot of their content.

Then there's the somewhat more problematic case of You Tube.

-- Bob Primak

On Monday, November 13, 2023 at 08:25:34 AM EST, Steve Isenberg via LCTG <lctg at lists.toku.us> wrote: 

Gentlepeople,

This Wednesday as part of the presentation I plan to show how to proceed to web sites that prevent you from accessing their content unless you (a) remove all of your ad-blockers, or (b) subscribe or pay to see the content (paywalls).

Could you send me (and not the list) the URL of sites you have run into that block your access, and I'll add them to the list I'll use as demonstrations.

Thanks,

-steve

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