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This sort of activity and behavior is common on sites like reddit. It's used by media companies and brands, especially as the reach is much bigger than HN comme

This sort of activity and behavior is common on sites like reddit. It's used by media companies and brands, especially as the reach is much bigger than HN comments. Astroturfing is big business and can be very profitable. An account itself isn't worth much, it's the overall execution that matters.

neilv 7y ago
I'd love to see HN or Reddit or someone work with the feds on how to investigate and prosecute astroturfing/sockpuppets/shilling, perhaps as unauthorized computer access and/or fraud.
- Drdrdrq 7y ago
  Except it's not really unauthorized access if the owner of the account allows you to publish in his/her name, is it?
  - neilv 7y ago
    I suspect lawyers could figure out the ToS so that it is.
    - briandear 7y ago
      That wouldn’t be “criminal” — a TOS violation isn’t “prosecuted” as its civil. And, the aggrieved party would have to prove actual damages.
      - neilv 7y ago
        Unauthorized access in connection with fraud, for example. I'll let the lawyers figure it out, and I hope they do.
- briandear 7y ago
  Astroturfing and shilling isn’t illegal. Unless an account was hacked, no crime has been committed. Even lying generally isn’t a crime. In terms of fraud, there has to be a determination of unlawful gain or to deprive a victim of a legal right. Astroturfing isn’t fraud, nor is shilling.
  - neilv 7y ago
    Which is why I said they'd have to work with the feds on how.