7,000-plus Coloradans’ names, addresses used to post fake comments about government decision

DENVER -- More than 7,000 Coloradans' names and addresses have been used to post the same fake comment on the Federal Communications Commission's decision on net neutrality.

The FCC is collecting public comment on its decision about whether or not to do away with net neutrality rules.

Net neutrality rules prevent internet providers from charging websites a fee to boost how fast their content gets to devices. The FCC could soon get rid of those rules.

7,000-plus Coloradans’ names, addresses used to post fake comments about government decision

This is pertaining to fake comments posted against Net Neutrality. Looks like someone or someones really wants to see it done away with so much so they are stealing people's identities to make it look they are against it. In how many others places is this happening? Whether those affected by this are pro or against Net Neutrality, likely agree this should not be happening.

ETA: Please see this additional source:
The anti-net neutrality bot spamming the FCC is pulling names from leaked databases

In March, security researcher Chris Vickery made a remarkable discovery. In one of the most notable operations of its kind, he said in a blog post, a group called River City Media had collected about 1.4 billion personal information records, and was using them for spam. “Chances are that you, or at least someone you know, is affected,” Vickery wrote. RCM said it had used legitimate marketing practices to collect the data, but regardless, the scope of the program was massive, and when the records leaked, it left a mountain of personal information exposed. "Clues suggest the data may have come from the RCM dump or a similar leak"

Often when these sorts of records leak, they’re used for fraud. But RCM’s data may have been put to a political use. As The Verge reported yesterday, tens of thousands of identical anti-net neutrality comments tied to real names and addresses were bombarding the FCC. Now, some clues suggest those identities were pulled from the RCM dump or other similar data leaks.

Source

If you want to check to see if your name, address, etc., was used see here.

a reply to: dreamingawake

This really is horrible and should be investigated by the authorities. I guarantee it was comcast or verizon or some other super rich corp. that just can't be greedy enough. If they used customer information they should be screwed to the wall.

Reminds me of the Chinese like farms for social media.

Not good.

Definitely against that message (and sort of looking forward to the Net Neutrality debates here again), but if the side supporting NN were harvesting messages like that, I would probably cheer it on so I guess I can't condemn them too much.

a reply to: TobyFlenderson

If they used customer information they should be screwed to the wall.

Their hundred page terms of service agreements probably give them a loophole.

No surprise someone or some company would decide to do this. Anyone who is following the net neutrality debate doesn't want to give it away easily.

a reply to: dreamingawake

originally posted by: TobyFlenderson
a reply to: dreamingawake

This really is horrible and should be investigated by the authorities. I guarantee it was comcast or verizon or some other super rich corp. that just can't be greedy enough. If they used customer information they should be screwed to the wall.

Indeed, can imagine it's not just limited to this case.

originally posted by: Natas0114
Reminds me of the Chinese like farms for social media.

Not good.

Indeed those are very concerning.

Another source(updated OP) says it's a bot pulling in the names. Main source says it's the same with the stolen info being posted.

a reply to: TobyFlenderson

I guarantee it was comcast or verizon or some other super rich corp.

the sad part about this is that these corporate troll operations are tax deductible...

a reply to: Tellurian

Instead of railing against corporate welfare, we bitch about the poor mother of three who has no education and who gets $400 of food stamps a month.

a reply to: dreamingawake

This is some of the most subversive behaviour it is possible to imagine, on the part of big industry.

Just a word to the communications industry, in case they happen to be reading...

To Whom It May Concern,

You are clearly under a false impression of your place in the world. You offer a service. You get paid. You ought to consider yourself lucky to be permitted to do so. The people are the sole dictator of what is right and wrong, and their will is inviolate and not to be usurped, no matter where in the world you operate. You have no right to influence choices on the part of governments. You have no right to influence media coverage of matters pertaining to how you may operate your business. The peoples will is prime, and to toy with it or try to alter its course in any small way, is to invite your own downfall and ultimate destruction. You will not attempt it again, on any continent, or else hell will rain down upon everything you hold dear, your freedom, your liberty, your financial strength. There is nothing you have gained for yourselves that cannot be taken away from you in a heartbeat, so think more carefully in future, whether it is better to accept your lot, rather than to try to rob the people of their rights.

Do have a pleasant day,

Signed: A concerned citizen of Earth.