Mexico and US Censor Activist Site, with Help of GoDaddy

Activists in Mexico confirmed that the Government of Mexico, in partnership with the US Embassy in Mexico and with the rapid assistance of GoDaddy.com censored 1DMX.org, a site that served as a platform for news, commentary and discussion during days of social unrest in early December 2013. Content removed from the site documented abuses against activists in detail and deconstructed the official versions of the security authorities in Mexico.

There was not a clear and transparent answer from GoDaddy, as the site's operators explain in the above video:

As a first email reply, GoDaddy.com argues that the site was taken down because of a violation of the terms of service. However, on the next day, in a second email, the company reveals that the real reason behind the suspension of the domain is that there is an undergoing law enforcement investigation. Without clarifying neither the authority behind this investigation nor its motives, GoDaddy.com says that for more information, one must contact a Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico.The Agent was contacted. However, he refused to give any information on the case, with an unjustifiable opacity.

The site's operators used the relevant legal mechanisms available in Mexico, and an order was issued for the authorities to release information about the matter. But much information about the incident has yet to be released.

It was revealed today that GoDaddy.com confirmed that the Mexican agency which requested the US government to censor 1DMX.org was the Specialized Center on Technological Response. The censorship was executed by the Secretary of the Interior through the National Security Commission. Commissioner Manuel Mondragón should be held responsible for censoring 1DMX.org.

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Censorship in Mexico is not happening in a vacuum. The government also has acquired sophisticated systems of surveillance such as FinFisher and Remote Control System.

Recent revelations are worrying for Mexicans because of the precarious situation of freedom of expression, in the face of the violent and sometimes repressive reality faced by citizens on a regular basis. But also raises concern for GoDaddy users, who cannot be certain that the company will uphold due process and rule of law in situations such as these.

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