In a spectacular display of hypocrisy, the founder of revenge porn site IsAnybodyDown.com is asking Google to remove links to news stories about himself.
Craig Brittain claims that the 23 links in question contain unauthorized photos and information about himself, and he has submitted a Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) take-down notice to Google.
One of the links renders the FTC’s press release in January about its enforcement against Brittain. Another is a link to Ars’ story about the FTC’s move: “Sleazy ‘revenge porn’ site is banished to settle federal charges.”
In addition to claims that the links contain “unauthorized” information about him, Brittain asserts “unauthorized use of statements and identity related information. Unauthorized copying of excerpts from isanybodydown.com. Using photos which are not ‘fair use.'”
According to the Federal Trade Commission, Brittain acquired nude photos of women, posted the photos on his website, and then demanded that his victims pay hundreds of dollars to have their photos removed. He has been ordered to destroy all photos and personal information that he had acquired while operating his website.
Fortunately, Google is ignoring the take-down notice, just as revenge porn sites owners ignore basic human dignity and compassion for their victims. Brittain would also not have any luck invoking Europe’s “right to be forgotten” ruling because the information would need to be “inadequate, irrelevant, or no longer relevant.” Seeing as the FTC recently took action against Brittain, the information is certainly relevant to a lot of people, like potential employers or any woman considering sending intimate pictures to Brittain.
(Source: Ars Technica)