Krebs on Security reports that Freenom, a domain name registry provider for five ccTLDs, experienced a significant decrease in the number of phishing domains after Meta, Inc. filed a lawsuit against them.
(https://www.arrc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Oct-Week-1-Image-1-900x550.png)
Freenom offers free registration services for domain names within these specific country-code top-level domains (.cf, .ga, .gq, .ml, and .tk). However, they retain the right to revoke free domains and redirect traffic to other websites, including аdult content sites.
Many Freenom users have reported losing control of their free domains, which were redirected to other sites. Despite these reports and notices about infringement, Freenom continued to allow customers to register new domain names that facilitated phishing or infringed on intellectual property.
Meta first sued Freenom in December 2022, alleging that Freenom was responsible for over half of all new phishing domains from these ccTLDs. Although initially requesting that the case be kept private, Meta later withdrew their lawsuit and refiled it in March 2023.
It is alarming to hear that cybercriminals often choose these five specific ccTLDs for illegal activities such as phishing. Companies like Freenom must take responsibility for preventing or mitigating such activities to protect their customers and prevent harm to other individuals and businesses.
Freenom's lack of accountability is appalling. Despite reports of customers losing control of their domains, the company continued to facilitate phishing and intellectual property infringement. It's no wonder Meta had to take legal action. Freenom's negligence puts innocent users at risk and undermines trust in the entire domain name system.