March 23, 2008 6:51 PM PDT

Network Solutions shutters anti-Islam film site

Network Solutions has suspended a Web site that a Dutch lawmaker was using to promote a yet-to-be-released film critical of Islam.

The Web hosting service said it is investigating whether content on the site--Fitnathemovie.com--is in violation of the hosting service's acceptable use policy.

The 15-minute movie, called Fitna--an Arabic word that means "test of faith in times of trial"--describes Islam as "the enemy of freedom," according to comments made by Geert Wilders, a Dutch lawmaker and the film's maker. Dutch officials fear the movie could spark violence, as happened after Danish newspapers published cartoons of the Prophet Muhammad. The movie is set for release at month's end.

Wilders had been using the site to promote the movie, but the site was pulled after the Web-hosting company said it received a "number of complaints" regarding the site.

"In this situation with the dialogue that's happening throughout the world ,we've made the choice to suspend the site as of last night," Susan Wade, spokeswoman for Network Solutions, told the Associated Press on Sunday. "This site is suspended so people can't see the content right now. But the customer still has access to their site. They can make whatever changes are necessary as we complete our investigation."

Wilders plans to show his film despite the setback, Dutch news agency ANP reported.

"If need be, I will personally distribute DVDs in the Dam," ANP quoted him as saying. The Dam is the central square in Amsterdam.

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Add a Comment (Log in or register) 144 comments (Page 1 of 5)
The turning point
by Dead Soulman March 23, 2008 7:05 PM PDT
I see a major problem happening in our societies these days with the increase of Islam, we're starting to see a certain type of censorship so they're not offended. However, when it comes to Catholicism, it's fair game to make fun of it, ridicule it, and do whatever you want with it. I may not agree with what some people do/say about Catholicism as a religion or its characters, but I respect their right to express themselves. Unfortunately, the same can not be said about Islam, and we're starting to give them a pass. We need to keep an eye on this sort of double standards otherwise our freedoms will corrode sooner than we'd think.
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Censorship, disgraceful conduct for a minority owned company
by SilverbackRK March 23, 2008 7:17 PM PDT
So that is their process? To pull the registration because "a number of complaints". OK, let me start logging complaints about Network Solutions selectively pulling registrations. I mean, the next thing, if they get a number of complaints about porno sites that are objectionable to fundamentalist Christians, will they also pull those registrations? Shameful, disgraceful behavior by a formerly leading firm in the industry.
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Preemptive censorship
by seth.levy March 23, 2008 7:19 PM PDT
Gotta love it... what TOS violation can be found in a site that said nothing more than "Fitna the Movie: Coming March 23rd"
Reply to this comment
Post the video on Peer-to-peer
by bitjack March 23, 2008 7:44 PM PDT
Using peer-to-peer and IP address-based links, while a pain in the butt that we shouldn't have to resort to, would remove the power that these "politically correct" (read: dangerous) government-backed companies wield. If the content is objectionable, than let people object.
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CENSORSHIP
by xinunus March 23, 2008 7:48 PM PDT
It amazes me that Network Solutions took it upon itself to shut this website down. It typically takes an act of God to shut a website down. If I was Network Solutions I would be getting my lawyers ready for a lawsuit. You can not SELECTIVELY shut down websites because you feel it is offensive to a religion. We have the right to freedom of speech and this is a direct violation of our First Amendment rights. This is CENSORSHIP in its purest form and should outrage every American. This is absolutely PATHETIC...
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Good, important story
by AnonTip March 23, 2008 7:50 PM PDT
I had not idea that Network Solutions, a company funded by US Government grants with our tax dollars, had gotten into the business of censoring "unapproved" political speach. This is an important, eye-opening story. Please follow up with more details when available.
Reply to this comment
Just closed my NS accounts.....
by Jim Hubbard March 23, 2008 8:08 PM PDT
I will not support any web host or ISP that censors free speech because they fear realition from religous extremists. Cowards.
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Network Solutions has suspended a Web site that a Dutch lawmaker was using
by Ned Mullen March 23, 2008 8:25 PM PDT
Network Solutions is deaf and dumb. They should be shuttered. Ned
Reply to this comment
Network Censorship Solutions
by Schratboy March 23, 2008 8:27 PM PDT
You can be sure that I'm going to move any domains I have with these scumbags....
Reply to this comment
Terrorist 1 -- Network Solutions 0
by crich25 March 23, 2008 8:40 PM PDT
Looks like the threat of violence is serving its purpose. It's a good thing that there are no other websites whose content is offensive that are registered with NS. Oh, excuse me, I meant to say no other sites offensive to muslims.
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