Internet services company Verisign, which controls portions of the Domain Name System (DNS), has abruptly implemented a scheme in which people who mistakenly enter a non-existent domain name are redirected to Verisign advertising. This move has shocked and outraged network administrators.

"Verisign's unilateral action harms the Internet," said EFF Staff Technologist Seth Schoen. "It interferes with the delivery of e-mail, causes security software to malfunction, and creates extreme confusion for Internet users. This is a brazen abuse of Versign's power as .com and .net operator."