Cloaked Websites

In our discussion in class today on cloaked websites, I began to think of examples of other cloaked websites that I know of. A cloaked website is defined by Jessie Daniels as "sites that disguise any number of political agendas, but not limited to cyber-racism." One type that I thought of were websites that are known as "pro-ana" or "pro-mia" websites. These sites are made by people affected with the eating disorders anorexia nervosa and bulimia . If you were to type into Google, pro-ana (pro-anorexia) or pro-mia (pro-bulimia) you find a plethora of sites to choose from. Some of the links lead you an opening page saying it is for support for treatment, but really it is a cover up for people who support having or wanting to have the eating disorder. The sites are filled with tips and tricks for people who are, or want to have an eating disorder. Message boards are filled with sickening advice, from people all over the country, such as how to properly starve your self. These type of sites I guess would be categorized by Daniels as 'white' propaganda sites. This is because the creators identify themselves and eventually their mission. Although they are being truthful in that sense, they are filling their website visitors head with nonsense, in the same way a racist website would. Although we have freedom of speech, these types of websites I would consider a form of cyber-terrorism for the way they are hurting people with their sick support.

Daniels also explains the use of cloaked websites by large companies such as Wal-mart. Called 'astroturfing' companies create fake websites in hopes of bettering their public image. For example, they created a site that looked as if it was made by Wal-mart customers and employees that wanted to thank the company for what they have brought to their families. This would be categorized as a 'black' website by Daniels.

When I thought about other 'black' websites that I might know of, I thought of the thriller film "The Fourth Kind". The film is supposedly based on real events and people, which of course makes a story about alien abductions more scart, and thus more attractive to go out and see. When I tried to look whether or not the story was really real online, the first link that I was brought too by Google, was one that looked legitimate at first. The website had a news story and even links to documents. But after more investigation I found out it was made by the movie studio that made the film. This showed me how prevalent cloaked websites are and how cautious we have to be in viewing websites because we never know what we may stumble upon...