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29 Aug 2005
Level 3 Communications is denying German web surfers access to Ogrish, a website displaying graphic images that many consider distasteful.
Ogrish has made a name for itself by hosting shocking images. The website offered video footage of the beheading of hostage Nick Berg last year in Iraq, forensic pictures from murder investigations and photos of victims of the tsunami that struck Asia last year. The website is hosted by a US customer of Level 3.
The telecoms firm blocks access to the site by filtering the IP address on its routers in Germany. The blocking method ensures that only customers of German ISPs that use Level 3's services are affected by the ban.
Level 3 is a so-called backbone provider that operates a worldwide network of internet lines. It sells access to its network to ISPs, enterprises and hosting providers.
German watchdog Jugendschutz had contacted the local branch of Level 3 about Ogrish. The self-styled 'Youth Protection' group claimed that the provider violated German legislation that requires websites to verify the age of its visitors before granting access to adult content.
Level 3 launched an investigation following Jugendschultz's complaint and decided to block the website, a spokeswoman for the company told vnunet.com. "We blocked [Ogrish's] IP address so that we could be as surgical as possible," she said.
The spokeswoman added that Level 3 does not have a predetermined policy for blocking websites, but does so on a case-by-case basis.
The company blocked access to a website for the terror organisation of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad last year that was hosted on its network. Similar to the Ogrish case, there were several layers between Level 3 and the company that hosted the actual website.
In a note posted on its website, Ogrish complained that Level 3 acted without an official legal order. "This action is outright censorship and is not justified," it said.
The site claims that it is merely showing scenes that are part of everyday life, and stated that it has taken appropriate action to discourage underage visitors from accessing the website.
It also claimed that the block affects internet users in countries surrounding Germany, including France, The Netherlands and Poland.
The Level 3 spokeswoman replied that she is not aware of any users outside Germany being affected by the block.
Since Level 3 operates a private network, the provider has the legal right to block whatever content it wants, according to Annalee Newitz, a policy analyst with the Electronic Frontier Foundation, which seeks to assure freedom of expression in digital media.
The operator's block does not violate freedom of speech rights because these only apply to government censorship.
Newitz did disapprove of Level 3's decision to act based on a complaint from the watchdog group. "It should have waited until it got some kind of official request from a political or judicial party," Newitz told vnunet.com.
"Hopefully Germans will vote with their money, telling Level 3 that they do not like vendors that censor things."
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Do you agree?
free speech
You can Ban tasteless photos and real issues, but Americans allways rise and over-come censorship. Free-speech and free press in our foundation.
Posted by: ct 29 Apr 2006
Reality Ogrish
At first I though ogrish.com was a little too much. But when you look at this pictures and videos, it will make you think. Now, noone is forced to view this site. This can help you to think before you do something or make you stop. Now if you have experienced some of the stories and view these pictures, it will be painful but you have to think that this site is about reality thing that happen in life and try to help others to avoid a tragedy so others will not be hurt.
Posted by: JB 23 Dec 2005
Reality @ Ogrish.Com
I have visited ogrish.com many times and I must say at the beginning I was very shocked but as I think about it, it can help save lives and help you to think before you do something and regret it for life. The pictures are very graphic but it is reality. Noone is forced to view these photos. I think they are doing a wonderful job and are trying to send a message to everyone.Please try to get this point, Or is it because is too much for someone to handle the situations that everyone may face or has faced. Best of luck Ogrish.com
Posted by: JZ 23 Dec 2005
"Rights"
everybody hav rights to view o just leave it alone as for wht thee is standing for. Net is not a safe place to b otherwise it also d educational place to hang around. it molds one's mind, depending on how it was use. let the population have their Rights.
Posted by: ronald 04 Nov 2005
What a silly question
Why would I want to see the pictures? Scientific curiosity. Where else can you see what happens to bodies under certain circumstances. It's fascinating. I don't see why anyone would have a problem with a few dead bodies. It definitely doesn't cause any bad things to happen. now, the constant display of naked bodies on every darn newspaper and in every other advert - which is viewable to kids all the time - that is an issue one should worry about. but of coruse, there's money behind this, so nothing will happen...
Posted by: Arania 28 Sep 2005
why ban it?
why ban it? no one is forcing you to watch it? is the material forged or made up? its real life situations. its material for essays and the rreality behind the smiles and laughters of civilised polititians.
Posted by: Tahir Hussain Khan 17 Sep 2005
ban it all & kill the internet
isn`t there something we all don`t like to look at? if everyone tried to ban the things they didn`t like to see there would be no internet. as for ogrish i can`t bear to view the videos, one beheading was enough,but i think everyone in the world should see at least one of their videos and then sanatised reports on mainstream TV will never be the same again.... you will always carry that horrific image. websites like ogrish should be encouraged not censored,the internet is there to educate us (so we are told).
Posted by: Alan 10 Sep 2005
Way to go Gestapo
You're naive to think that ogrish saves lives. It displays the truth. Nothing more. There is no bias in death. You are dead, or you aren't, period. We need to be able to see this, however, to gain perspective. These images are available to us in the US thanks to the Freedom of Information Act. Ogrish just does the leg work. Don't censor them unless you plan to censor all the porn out there and the sites that allow free access to them regardless of age.
Posted by: Zach 07 Sep 2005
Ogrish has to remain accessible for all.
I live in Germany, and, for now, I still can access Ogrish normally, but I'm afrid, that that will change soon, than I have to use cloak as well. It's true, that much of the content there is somehow disgusting, but that's the reality, that is a part of everyday life. Lots of things here in Germany are censored, especially PC- games and movies, and a rising number of them are not legally available here. Ogrish is a very important part of the media choice. And, death is a part of human existence, in all of its forms. I visit Ogrish every day, to be informed, what's really going on in this world. If only one individual, who plans an violent act against somebody else, gives it up, Ogrish has helped, to make this world a little bit better. There are people out there, who really don't know, to what violence leads. Visit Ogrish, and you know it.
Posted by: Anonymous 06 Sep 2005
Whats going on?
Why do you want to see such things? I don't saw things like this in my life and I must say I'm very happy about that! But why want you see pics of dead children (I was in a forum a few weeks ago. There was a pic of an dead 8 (?) year old boy. The comment was: "Children always loosing their pants then they die *loool*"... this comment was the most gruesome thing... What's about the feelings of the parents?? I mean If they read this comment!). I must say, in point of gore sites and childporn censorship is ja very very very good thing and I hope someday will all this sick stuff be blocked from everyone's eyes!
Posted by: A true human 06 Sep 2005
Jugendshutz org 2words4 ya screw & u
I find this censorship by the Jugendshutz organization is out of order. The content in the site is indeed not for children but the main page on the site clearly stresses how graphic the images are and they are of course not intended for children to view.In the case of youths viewing them dont blame the website blame the parents for not being aware of what their kids view over the net.I find the website rather intresting even though the video and images you view are "strong"it does make you see how fragile and harsh life really is.I say to hell with the Jugendshutz organization.
Posted by: eddie 04 Sep 2005
the world needs ogrish.com
Death is as common as life, why leave yourself unprepared by buying into the hollywood version of death? Before i had seen such images on ogrish.com and rotten.com i had no idea what dead people REALLY look like, for news channels rightfully censor disturbing images beacuse news channels are watched by the mainstream majority which doesn't like to see people rotting and flailing etc However if a German types in Ogrish.com and reads the warnings and wants to see life uncensored, why shouldn't they?
Posted by: my name 04 Sep 2005
bare censorship
I heard some rumours on the internets this is a propoganda websitter for Bewsh?
Posted by: Dr. Ed Bare 04 Sep 2005
not good policy
I'm in the US. The local media (print and tv) produces garbage that provides no real view of anything that might offend the political left. Sites like ogrish and rotten are sometimes the only place the truth can be found. But, I also realize that German gov't doesn't have the same view of 'freedom' we do in the US. The German people need to vote their pockets, that works no matter where you live.
Posted by: David 03 Sep 2005
Pros and Cons of Ogrish.com
Pros: Ogrish.com is a news medium that literally will not limit the content of a story. It shows the audience the harsh reality that we are filtered from every day by the mainstream media. This website shows the dark side of life most of us refuse to acknowledge, and it will usually take only one visit for a person to get in touch with reality. Cons: Though they are protected by the First Amendment, the content in Ogrish.com may be deemed "offensive" by most of the general population, especially those who end up seeing loved ones on the site. For example, how would Nick Berg's family feel? He was one of many hostages, foreign to Iraq, who was beheaded by radicals...and the video of that beheading was offered for viewing on Ogrish. Also, some of the links on Ogrish.com are just as controversial. There are links to porn sites where people are doing things one can refer to as "inhuman". On a not-so-recent visit to the website, I found a link to another site where they offered videos and images of men in the process of raping women. THAT right there is no news medium...it's just plain sick, to the point where I want to tell myself the "rapes in progress" aren't authentic, but rather already set up.
Posted by: Sirius 03 Sep 2005
Censorship blocks reality
Though what may be on the site is disturbing, it is a fact of life. I am in the USA in NYC and I for one Stand for OGRISH's stance on the material on their site. I worked at a news company in NYC for 8 years believe me I saw enough RAW footage of (9/11 /Madrid bombings/ Tsunami and other tid bits) that would make Ogrish only R-rated Lets face it EVERYONE has a morbid sense of curiosity.It took a few days just to hear the verbal words of the Hurricane victims that BODIES were lying in the flood waters..even though they didnt show them on TV just to hear the verbal words show why sites like ogrish are needed..They were even censoring the WORDS of people saying bodies are lying in the street Im with them (OGRISH) all the way..their headline says Can you handle reality?..In this day an age alot of people in the masses cannot
Posted by: James -- NYC 03 Sep 2005
Crazy, just plain crazy! Nothing but control freaks!
I live in the UK, and believe you me if my ISP were to censor my access in anyway to sites such as ogrish.com (of which I am a regular visitor, incidentally), they would face legal ramifications for breach of human rights and freedom of information and speech. The verification and warnings that ogrish.com put up on it's homepage is more than adequate and self explanatory, extremely clear in what they are telling you and warning you about it's site. Shame on anyone who wants to restrict or forbid access to here. They are narrow minded automatons who cannot appreciate what it is to have freedom of the right to choose. So come on you companies or people who want to censor access to media such as these. Read the homepage and warnings - YOU choose to walk away, whereas I choose to stay and look. But....it is MY choice, NOT yours!!!
Posted by: Mr R. Narula 03 Sep 2005
BAN IT!
I do wish they ban this site which is filled with disgusting images of dead people, animals, etc. Also the forums are filled with sick people that have nothing better to do then make funny of the dead. Ask yourself why anyone would want to see this kind of things?
Posted by: Justin 02 Sep 2005
Who else will post Abu Gharib-like atrocites? Not Rumsfield's DOD
Ogrish's images are distasteful, yes but that is exactly what those images/videos are meant to be. Wars, acts of terrors, murders, decapitations are not adorable acts. Ogrish brings those images to our living room so that the next time someone intend to kill/maim somebody, they should take a look at the images of the executions of murderers. At Ogrish.com of course!
Posted by: Marteen Fal 02 Sep 2005
What is more sick?
I am German and I tried that link to "Ogrish". I had no problem with connecting that site. The result I had was, well...whatever the content is meant for, I think, that it's close to an insult to blame the "Jugendschutz" (Youth-Safety-Organization) for trying to block such a page. If there were no such people we had a media-anarchy which could become dangerous sooner or later. But all in all I agree, that there should be no random forbiddance without any official processings. That would become dangerous too and could cause juridical anarchy. So it's up to you again. What's worse?
Posted by: Sebastian 02 Sep 2005
they show the harsh truth
People need/deserve to see the evils & sickness of humanity. Im more educated thanks to ogrish.com.
Posted by: G. Bush 02 Sep 2005
Ogrish censorship
Ogrish is an interesting site, it's basically the news with phoitos they're too scared too take. It may be considered in poor taste to many people but some of us can accept these things happen in the world rather than deny it by trying to censor it. I understand some people joke on the site which i disagree with completely, it's not funny at all seeing people with major injuries etc like featured on the site, but it's good that it's there as otherwise all the news images we saw would be completely media controlled, and we know from the past the media has a funny way of influencing peoples opinions by withdrawing information we're entitled to know. I'm just glad we still have limited freedom of speech in the UK....for now....
Posted by: D 02 Sep 2005
Censorship is a tool of thought control
Whether or not you find these images distasteful is irrelevant. Once censorship is allowed it is a dangerous slippery slope to mass censorship and control of people's opinions. If private companies are allowed the power to censor then we face a dangerous precedent.
Posted by: Dr James Goldsmith 02 Sep 2005
Ogrish is not bad
Ogrish is not a bad site. Its a serious news medium. I use the site everyday and i find it very good. Its not for all people, thats correct but i think the people that wants to see this kind of news should be able to do it.
Posted by: Ove 02 Sep 2005
why watch Ogrish ?
To counter the Hollywood interpretation that death is quick and clean. It increases your appreciation of life when you see the brutal reality of the ending of it. I wonder whether people's desire to support going to war would be tempered if they spent a little time looking at the bloody consequences?
Posted by: Mat 02 Sep 2005
not just for sick people
Ogrish does an important service by showing painful images that the major news outlets refuse to show. The most important example, I think, is the flood of gory images from Iraq and other parts of the middle east. Because of public hipocrisy and political influence, major media outlets refuse to show the true face of the violence and suffering that result from war. While there is certainly gratuitous content on Ogrish, and twisted people who enjoy joking about it, the importance of making these images available should not be underestimated.
Posted by: Mike 02 Sep 2005
Reality Check
I've often visited this site, and although it can be disturbing that is the harsh reality of the world. Some may get satisfaction and be assholes about the articles on this site but I for one, am not one of them. This site has made me realize first of all how fortunate I am and how many other people need help in other countries. I've realized just how bad the war in iraq is, how much racism there still is in the world, how so many people die everyday, the list goes on. I was stupid and nieve. I'm not saying that its right, because if I were to witness a loved one of my own on the site it would bother me.
Posted by: anonymous 02 Sep 2005
Tell me....
Why would you want to see dead babies, decapitations and mutilation? Why?
Posted by: Sense 01 Sep 2005
Wake UP
If you don't like it, you have the freedom not to visit the site. The site does serve a purpose. 1. This is life. 2. If everyone would watch a beheading or a video of the torture from Iraq, there would be no questions why is the U.S. and its allies are trying to rid the world of this scum. 3. It's Ogrish's right to post this stuff. People can look at all the porn they like and no one cares, but show atrosities inflicted on the weak and helpless, and show what and where evil resides and in whom it resides, you get banned. It is time people wake up and actually see life instead of banning it away.
Posted by: Josh 01 Sep 2005
Poland - user of ogrish.com
It is affecting Poland, too. I have to use http://www.the-cloak.com to gain access. It IS AN ACT OF CENSORSHIP and it IS agains the law. Screw level3!
Posted by: Smoke 01 Sep 2005
Ogrish for the sick people
For all the fans of Ogrish, I hope they will display your family members on their site so that the forumpeople can make jokes about it, maybe you will understand the issue!
Posted by: Michel 31 Aug 2005
hitler would be proud
this is why germany is falling behind the rest of the world in its economic vitality. they are gaining the regulation-loving "censor everything, tax everything" attitude that has killed many other nations. capitalism and freedom of speech are the way to go, not censorship and socialism!
Posted by: Eggbert Pinkerton 29 Aug 2005
Where is your "freedom of choice"?
I'm from Russia. I visit Ogrish like many other I-net users. Let the peaple see what they want see! It's their RIGHT!!!
Posted by: Serge 29 Aug 2005
********
"The Level 3 spokeswoman replied that she isn't aware of any users outside of Germany being affected by the block." ******, it does not work for many people in Poland.
Posted by: Wujek 29 Aug 2005