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ZLibrary domains have been seized by the United States Postal Inspection Service (3lib.net)

698 points by lucia-wermer · 1404 days ago · 517 comments on HN

Article summary

The United States Postal Inspection Service has seized domains related to ZLibrary, a website providing access to ebooks and other digital content. The seizure has sparked discussion about the control of the internet, copyright laws, and digital rights management. The exact details of the seizure are not available, but it appears to be related to copyright infringement. The website's operators may be forced to use alternative domains or hosting solutions to maintain access to their content.

Main themes

  • internet control
  • copyright laws
  • digital rights management
  • DRM-free ebooks
  • watermarking
  • online content regulation

What commenters say

  • The US government's seizure of foreign domains raises concerns about internet control and jurisdiction.
  • Using domains from countries with less cooperative relationships with the US may provide a temporary solution for pirate sites.
  • DRM-free ebooks are a viable alternative to traditional ebook purchases, offering more flexibility and ownership for consumers.
  • The use of watermarking as a replacement for DRM can provide a balance between copyright protection and consumer convenience.
  • The benefits of DRM-free content include increased sales, reduced customer support, and no vendor lock-in.
  • Some argue that the shift to DRM-free ebooks is inevitable, citing the example of German language ebooks which have been DRM-free for years.
  • Others express concerns about the potential consequences of relying on alternative domains or hosting solutions, including the risk of seizure or blocking by local authorities.
  • The discussion highlights the ongoing debate about copyright laws, digital rights management, and the role of governments in regulating online content.