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Reporting Illegal Activity In Blogger Blogs

Blogger / Google provides two forms, for us to use when reporting unacceptable content, in Blogger blogs.Each form has a different use - and both forms have their stated limits. You'd be wise to look at both forms - and read the instructions, for each, carefully.

Neither form will produce an absolute, nor immediate, result. Google has to consider that either form may be intentionally misused, for various reasons, when evaluating any claim made.

We've known, for a while, of the various options to report Blogger blogs which violate Blogger or Google Terms Of Service.

The original "abuse" report was focused merely on spam.

The option to report abusive blogs (aka spam hosts) has been an option since 2009. In 2010, Google added the complementary ability to report copyright violations.

Now, we have much more than just spam.

Recently, we see that the latter form, now titled Google Help: Removing Content From Google, has been expanded to include a dozen different Google services. The existing Blogger Help: Report inappropriate content continues to be available.

The "illegal content" list for Blogger, in the Google Help page, has been expanded, since 2011 - though some selections, in the list, offer only a disclaimer. Removing Content From Google seems to cover clear cut legal issues - while problems reported using Reporting abuse appear to involve the complainants personal perception.

Note that results may not be absolute, or immediate.

Regardless of which form is submitted, we must note here that all problem reports may not produce immediate - or appropriate - response. Also, strict attention to detail is required - your reputation may be on the line, with your abuse reports.

The Google "Legal" removal requests offer few choices, tightly defined.

The list of content removal categories, in Removing Content From Google - with "Blogger" selected, is presented in two lists.

What can we help you with?

  • I would like to report spam, malware, or phishing
  • I would like to report a blog that impersonates me
  • I would like to report the disclosure of private information or private nude images
  • I would like to report harassment and bullying content
  • I have a legal issue that is not mentioned above

What can we help you with?

  • I have found content that may violate my copyright
  • I would like to file a counter notice to reinstate content that was removed due to an alleged copyright violation
  • I would like to report the sale or promotion for sale of counterfeit goods
  • I have a court order declaring certain content unlawful
  • I would like to report a product or service that circumvents copyright protection mechanisms
  • I have found content that may be defamation/libel


In addition to the earlier reported DMCA Copyright Violations reporting options,and an option to serve a court order which relates to copyright / trademark infringement, we now see hacking (phishing / disclosure of private data), copyright protection circumvention, and sale of counterfeit goods, as removal reasons. And we see a continued disclaimer against removal of defamatory content.

As interesting as these new reporting categories are, we have to note that the "illegal activities" primarily include international electronic activity. Any illegal activities which relate to local or regional statutes, whether civil or criminal in nature, will still require hiring an attorney, and / or investigation and prosecution by local law enforcement officials.

Blogger "Inappropriate content" removal requests are more personal in nature.

Blogger provides Blogger Help: Report inappropriate content form, which has specific categories of personally perceived abuse.

  • Someone is copying my content or other legal concerns
  • Promotion of regulated goods and services
  • Hate speech, violent, or crude content
  • Harassment or bullying
  • Child safety, nudity, or adult content
  • Someone is posting my private information, or explicit content of me without my consent
  • Someone is pretending to be me
  • Someone is pretending to be a company or organization
  • Spam
  • Phishing
  • Malware




Whenever you submit a legal claim to Blogger / Google, please remember that your claim will not be taken at face value - Google Legal will carefully consider everybody's rights. For best results, you may still need the advice of a lawyer - preferably one experienced in Internet related conflict.

Comments

Nitecruzr said…
Hey Silver / Tomis,

Have you reported the loss of your blog, in Blogger Help Forum: Something Is Broken, with anything shorter than your 12/13/2012 post? Do us all a favour - look through the forums, for other "Please restore my blog, it's not spam!" requests, consider how the other requests are worded, and try to use the style of those requests.

Your post of 12/13 would require two cups of coffee and at least 3 trips to the bathroom, for me to get through, and to know what you need. Help us out - make your next "Please restore my blog, it's not spam!" report brief and readable, so we can help you.

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