verizon blocked websites
Verizon is one of the leading telecommunication companies in the United States, providing a wide range of services including wireless, internet, and television. However, despite its popularity and widespread usage, Verizon has been known to block certain websites, causing frustration among its users. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Verizon’s blocking of websites and the impact it has on its customers.
To understand why Verizon blocks certain websites, we need to first understand the concept of net neutrality. Net neutrality is the principle that internet service providers (ISPs) should treat all internet traffic equally, without discriminating or charging differently based on the content, platform, or application. This ensures that all websites and services have an equal chance of reaching users, regardless of their size or popularity. However, in 2017, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under the Trump administration repealed the net neutrality rules, giving ISPs the power to control and manipulate internet traffic as they see fit.
This repeal of net neutrality rules has given ISPs like Verizon the ability to block or slow down certain websites at their discretion. Verizon has been accused of violating net neutrality principles by blocking websites that compete with its own services or those of its partners. For example, in 2017, Verizon was caught throttling the speeds of Netflix and YouTube, two popular video streaming platforms, in an attempt to promote its own video streaming service.
Furthermore, Verizon has also been known to block websites that contain controversial or sensitive content. In 2018, the company was accused of blocking the LGBTQ+ news website, “The Advocate”, on its wireless network. This sparked outrage among the LGBTQ+ community and their allies, who saw this as a violation of their right to access information freely.
Verizon has also blocked websites for security reasons. In 2018, the company was found to be blocking websites that contained malware or were known to be involved in phishing scams. While this may seem like a responsible action on Verizon’s part, it has also been criticized for not being transparent about the websites it blocks and how it determines which websites are a security threat.
Another reason for Verizon’s blocking of websites is to comply with legal requirements. The company is legally obligated to block websites that contain illegal content, such as child pornography or copyrighted material. While this is understandable, there have been instances where Verizon has mistakenly blocked innocent websites, causing inconvenience to its users.
Verizon’s blocking of websites has a significant impact on its customers. Firstly, it goes against the principles of a free and open internet, limiting the choices and access of its users. This is especially concerning for those who rely on the internet for educational, professional, or personal reasons. With Verizon’s wide user base, its blocking of websites can have a huge impact on the reach and visibility of certain websites, hindering their growth and success.
Moreover, the lack of transparency from Verizon regarding the websites it blocks can lead to confusion and frustration among users. Many may not even be aware that certain websites are being blocked, assuming it to be a technical error on their part. This can also lead to a lack of trust in the company and its services.
Verizon’s blocking of websites also raises concerns about censorship. With the repeal of net neutrality rules, ISPs now have the power to control the flow of information, potentially censoring certain viewpoints or silencing dissenting voices. This can have serious implications for freedom of speech and expression, a cornerstone of any democratic society.
In response to Verizon’s blocking of websites, there have been calls for the restoration of net neutrality rules. Several states have passed their own net neutrality laws to protect their citizens from the actions of ISPs like Verizon. However, these state-level laws are currently being challenged in court by the federal government, creating a legal battle that could take years to resolve.
In the meantime, there are measures that users can take to bypass Verizon’s blocking of websites. Using a virtual private network (VPN) can help mask the user’s IP address and make it appear as if they are accessing the internet from a different location, bypassing any restrictions put in place by Verizon. However, not all VPNs are reliable, and there is a risk of compromising personal data while using them.
In conclusion, Verizon’s blocking of websites has raised concerns about net neutrality, censorship, and transparency. While the company has cited various reasons for blocking certain websites, it has also been accused of violating the principles of a free and open internet. As the debate over net neutrality continues, it is essential for ISPs like Verizon to be transparent and accountable for their actions, ensuring that their customers have equal and unrestricted access to the internet.
generate csr windows server 2016
In today’s world, where online security is of utmost importance, it is crucial for businesses to ensure that their website is secure. One of the first steps towards achieving this is by obtaining an SSL certificate. In order to obtain an SSL certificate, a Certificate Signing Request (CSR) needs to be generated. In this article, we will be discussing how to generate a CSR on Windows Server 2016.
What is a CSR?
A CSR, or Certificate Signing Request, is a block of encrypted text that is generated on the server where the SSL certificate will be installed. It contains information about the website and the organization requesting the certificate, such as the domain name, company name, location, and public key. The CSR is then submitted to a Certificate Authority (CA) to obtain a digital SSL certificate.
Why is a CSR required?
A CSR is required for the SSL certificate to be issued. It contains important information that is used to verify the identity of the website and the organization requesting the certificate. This information is then used to create a unique digital signature for the SSL certificate, which ensures that the website is secure and trustworthy.
Step-by-step guide to generate a CSR on Windows Server 2016
Step 1: Open the Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager
To generate a CSR on Windows Server 2016, you will need to start by opening the Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager. This can be done by clicking on the Windows button and typing “IIS” in the search bar. Once the IIS Manager is open, select the server name on the left-hand side.
Step 2: Click on “Server Certificates”
In the middle pane of the IIS Manager, click on “Server Certificates”. This will open a list of all the certificates that are currently installed on the server.
Step 3: Click on “Create Certificate Request”
In the right-hand side of the IIS Manager, under “Actions”, click on “Create Certificate Request”. This will open a new window where you will be able to enter the required information to generate the CSR.
Step 4: Enter the required information
In the “Distinguished Name Properties” window, enter the required information for your organization, including the common name (domain name), organization name, organizational unit, city, state, and country. Make sure that the common name matches the domain name exactly, as this will be used to verify the identity of the website.
Step 5: Select the cryptographic service provider and bit length
Under “Cryptographic service provider”, select “Microsoft RSA SChannel Cryptographic Provider” and under “Bit Length”, select “2048”. These are the recommended settings for most SSL certificates. However, if your organization requires a higher level of encryption, you can select a higher bit length.
Step 6: Save the CSR file
Click on “Next” and you will be prompted to save the CSR file. It is important to save this file as you will need it in the next step to submit to the Certificate Authority.
Step 7: Submit the CSR to the Certificate Authority
Once you have generated the CSR, you will need to submit it to a Certificate Authority to obtain the SSL certificate. There are many CAs that offer SSL certificates, some of which include Comodo, GoDaddy, and Symantec. Each CA will have their own submission process, but generally, you will need to copy and paste the contents of the CSR file into their online submission form.
Step 8: Complete the verification process
After submitting the CSR, the CA will begin the verification process. This can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the CA and the type of SSL certificate being requested. During this process, the CA will verify the information provided in the CSR to ensure that the organization is legitimate and has the right to use the domain name.
Step 9: Receive and install the SSL certificate
Once the verification process is complete, the CA will issue the SSL certificate. You will receive an email with the certificate file, which you will need to download and install on the server where the CSR was generated. To install the certificate, go back to the IIS Manager, click on “Server Certificates” and then click on “Complete Certificate Request”. Select the certificate file and click on “OK”.
Step 10: Bind the SSL certificate to the website
The final step is to bind the SSL certificate to the website. To do this, open the IIS Manager, click on the website that the certificate was issued for, and then click on “Bindings”. Click on “Add” and select “https” from the drop-down menu. Select the SSL certificate that was just installed and click on “OK”. The SSL certificate is now successfully installed and bound to the website.
In conclusion, generating a CSR on Windows Server 2016 is a simple process that can be completed in just a few steps. It is an important step towards securing your website and ensuring that your customers’ data is safe. By following the above guide, you can easily generate a CSR and obtain an SSL certificate for your website. Make sure to keep the private key secure and renew the SSL certificate before it expires to maintain a secure and trustworthy website.
how do i permanently turn off autoplay on youtube
YouTube has become one of the leading platforms for watching videos online. With millions of hours of content being uploaded every day, it has become the go-to source for entertainment, education, and information. However, the autoplay feature on YouTube has been a source of frustration for many users. While it may seem convenient at first, constantly playing videos without the user’s consent can be annoying and even distracting. In this article, we will discuss how to permanently turn off autoplay on YouTube and why it is important to do so.
What is Autoplay on YouTube?
Autoplay is a feature on YouTube that automatically plays videos one after the other without the user having to click on them. It is enabled by default, which means that when you finish watching a video, the next one on the recommended list will start playing automatically. This feature was introduced by YouTube to keep users engaged and increase their watch time. However, it has been a controversial feature as it takes away the control from the user and can lead to unintentional video consumption.
Why Turn Off Autoplay?
There are several reasons why users may want to turn off autoplay on YouTube permanently. The most common one is that it can be distracting. When a video ends, the next one starts playing, and this can disrupt the user’s concentration if they are not expecting it. This is especially true for those who use YouTube for educational or work-related purposes. Another reason is that it can lead to unintentional video consumption. Since the next video starts playing automatically, users may end up watching videos that they are not interested in or that are not appropriate for their age.
Moreover, autoplay can also be a drain on your internet data. If you are on a limited data plan, constantly playing videos can quickly eat up your data, resulting in additional charges. This is especially problematic for mobile users who may not always have access to Wi-Fi. Lastly, autoplay can also be a privacy concern. As the next video starts playing automatically, it may reveal your interests to others who may be nearby.
How to Turn Off Autoplay on YouTube?
Now that we have discussed the potential drawbacks of autoplay, let’s look at how to turn it off permanently. There are two ways to do this: through the YouTube website and through the mobile app. Let’s take a look at both methods.
1. Turning off Autoplay on YouTube Website
To turn off autoplay on YouTube through the website, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open YouTube in your web browser and sign in to your account.
Step 2: Click on your profile picture in the top right corner and select “Settings” from the drop-down menu.
Step 3: In the left menu, select “Autoplay.”
Step 4: Toggle off the switch next to “Autoplay next video.”
Step 5: You can also choose to turn off autoplay on mobile devices by toggling off the switch next to “Autoplay on Home.”
Step 6: Click “Save” to apply the changes.
2. Turning off Autoplay on YouTube Mobile App
To turn off autoplay on YouTube through the mobile app, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the YouTube app on your mobile device and sign in to your account.
Step 2: Tap on your profile picture in the top right corner and select “Settings” from the menu.
Step 3: Tap on “Autoplay.”
Step 4: Toggle off the switch next to “Autoplay next video.”
Step 5: You can also choose to turn off autoplay on mobile devices by toggling off the switch next to “Autoplay on Home.”
Step 6: Tap on “Save” to apply the changes.
By following these steps, you can permanently turn off autoplay on YouTube and have more control over what you watch.
Other Ways to Limit Autoplay on YouTube
Apart from turning off autoplay completely, there are other ways to limit autoplay on YouTube. These include:
1. Using the Pause Autoplay Chrome Extension
If you use Google Chrome as your browser, you can install the “Pause Autoplay” extension. This extension allows you to temporarily pause autoplay for a specific amount of time or until you start playing a video again. This can be a convenient option for those who want to limit autoplay but still want it to be available when needed.
2. Creating a Playlist
Another way to limit autoplay is by creating a playlist of videos that you want to watch. This way, you have control over what videos are played next, and you can avoid unintentional video consumption. You can also use the “Watch Later” feature to add videos to a queue and watch them later without autoplay.
3. Disabling Autoplay on Specific Devices
If you use YouTube on multiple devices, you can choose to disable autoplay on specific devices. For example, if you only want to turn off autoplay on your mobile device, you can do so without affecting your experience on your computer.
The Impact of Autoplay on YouTube
While autoplay may seem like a small feature, it has a significant impact on the platform and its users. As mentioned earlier, it was introduced to increase watch time and keep users engaged. However, it has also been criticized for promoting binge-watching and addictive behavior. In fact, a study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania found that autoplay was responsible for 40% of all views on YouTube. This shows how influential this feature can be in our video consumption habits.
Moreover, autoplay has also been under scrutiny for promoting harmful and misleading content. Since the algorithm suggests the next video to play, it can lead users down a rabbit hole of videos that may contain false information or conspiracy theories. This has been a concern for both users and content creators, as it can affect the credibility of the platform.
Conclusion
In conclusion, autoplay on YouTube is a feature that has both positive and negative effects. While it may increase watch time and keep users engaged, it can also be a source of distraction, unintentional video consumption, and privacy concerns. It is essential for users to have control over their video consumption, and turning off autoplay is one way to do so. By following the steps mentioned in this article, you can permanently turn off autoplay on YouTube and have a more personalized viewing experience. Additionally, it is important for YouTube to address the impact of autoplay and take necessary steps to promote responsible and authentic content on the platform.