Ban links from shortening services

I suggest prohibiting the use of URL shortening services at AdminAddict.

URL's that are passed thru these shortening services can contain links to malicious content, spyware, warez and other garbage sites and server no other purpose other than to mask or conceal a links true identity.

Not to mention the potential for "marketing gurus" to slide their affiliate links in.

As a matter of fact, I can't think of one good reason, not to post full URL's on Adminaddict without the use of masking or 3rd parties.

 

Without looking at every thread and post how does one enforce this?

 

You're a mod, more work for mods! Just kidding on that, wouldn't wanna put more work thatn you need on ya lol.

Doesn't vB have any mods that would restrict shortening links or no? I don't follow vB.org much so I don't know.

 

Adding the 'known' shortening services to the ban list of words? I think that would be quite uhh, easy?

 

Good ideas, I agree. I'll look into it.

For now, please report any such posts, and I'll also update the forum guidelines.

 

Good idea David, we have just added it to our own forum rules too as these services seem to be becoming rather popular

 

i never click on things unless i am really sure of what it is, so this would be a good idea

 

Add the domains to the word censor filter.

bit.ly
tinyurl.com
is.gd
tr.im
cli.gs
short.ie
is.gd
twurl

are probably the most used ones.

 

I don't really see a need for this. If you're using IE and worried about getting infected than secure your machine. There are plenty of free solutions to do this though the easiest is simply don't run IE as an Administrator.

 

Or don't run IE at all!
Really though, I have to agree with Wayne. Why would you ban shortened URLs? Because you can't protect your own PC properly? Seems to be the only reason I can think of.

Shortened URLs have purpose. Depending on the service used, they can be used to track clicks across multiple distribution points, and they can, as stated, create shorter launching points. Yes, those might be problematic, but if you're that worried about things like this online, then you need to disconnect the computer and crawl back into the non-internet hole.

Saying shortened URLs lead to insecurities is wrong. Insecurities are caused by insecure environments, such as computers being left without virus/malware protection and not being kept up to date, NOT by shortened URLs

 

I don't think anyone said that shortened urls lead to insecurities. Its just another tool for spammers and people wanting to spread mal-ware to use to prey on unsuspecting victims. Do you want someone with not much computer knowledge to end up here, click a bit.ly link and then get infected with a ton of garbage on their PC's, what do you think they'll say when someone asks them about how they got it "I was at AdminAddict.net clicked a bit.ly link and boom was filled with porn popups."

If people were serious about wanting to track their clicks across distribution points they'd use better tracking software and not some free URL shortening service.

 

Errm, you just did.

Why should those using shortened URLs for valid reasons be punished, because people can't use a bit of common sense?

Common sense:
Protect your pc
Don't download software that you don't know
Use Virus and Malware protection

Shortened URL services aren't to be blamed for spammers. They're not to be blamed for malware, viruses, or anything. That's like saying it's the fault of every gun that someone uses a gun to murder someone. They do have legitimate purposes, but, unfortunately, a number of people use them for nefarious reasons. That has nothing to do with anything but human nature