Conspiracy Theory: Charter blocking Google search?
ray
::15 feb 2007 :: 01:01am
So, odd thing happening on my computer today. When I type a site that I can't get to, I don't get my ordinary IE 'page not found' bullcrap. No. I get a search page from my service provider, with suggestions and a search box. Now, I'm set up with my connection feeding through a couple of routers and then I've got a software firewall on this box, plus auto-updating is turned off. How the fuck did they manage this?
So, that was earlier today. Now, it seems this little site called "Google" doesn't exist and after a looooong wait for the search, I'm conveniently sent to a search page from my provider, Charter. WTF? This is bullshit and I'm going elsewhere. Charter charges far too much for the spotty broadband it provides, and now this Big Brother shit. Done.
Two words: Proxy Server. Same principle as what happens in a hotel room - you navigate somewhere but are presented with the login screen for the hotel. Your ISP is simpy capturing all search traffic bound for Google and aiming it at their own page.
Ah. Thanks. Now it makes sense…technically. Still, pisses me off a mite ethically, tho.