Wikipedia blacklists Archive.today after alleged DDoS attack

Wikipedia has blacklisted Archive.today following allegations of a DDoS attack linked to the site. Editors expressed concerns over reliability, noting that users' computers were hijacked for an attack, and instances of content alteration were reported. Archive.today has been blacklisted previously and was a popular source for bypassing paywalls but is now deemed unreliable for citations.

Key Points

• Wikipedia's decision to blacklist Archive.today came after multiple reports of its involvement in a DDoS attack against blogger Jani Patokallio.
• The site was previously blacklisted in 2013, removed in 2016, and now faces renewed scrutiny over reliability and security.
• Allegations state that Archive.today altered archived content, causing trust issues for Wikipedia editors.
• Patokallio reported that harmless website visitors were unknowingly manipulated into contributing to his blog's traffic, raising concerns over user safety.
• Wikipedia's editors have now directed users to original sources or more trusted archiving services like the Wayback Machine.

Relevance

• The rise of misinformation and unreliable sources in online content is a growing issue, particularly for platforms like Wikipedia that prioritize the credibility of cited references.
• DDoS attacks have become a common tactic in digital disputes in recent years, highlighting ongoing cybersecurity concerns.
• As of 2025, trends show an increasing focus on trustworthiness in digital archiving and content storage, reflected in stricter regulations and community guidelines.

The blacklisting of Archive.today by Wikipedia underscores the importance of reliability in online sources and safety in digital interactions, reflecting broader cybersecurity issues impacting the integrity of web archives.