The FBI is actively pursuing the anonymous operator of Archive.is, also known as Archive.today, a popular service that captures snapshots of web pages. This site is frequently utilized by users aiming to access news behind paywalls or preserve online content.

In a recent move, federal investigators issued a subpoena to Tucows, the domain registrar responsible for Archive.is. The document demands subscriber details linked to the domain, citing an ongoing criminal investigation. The subpoena explicitly states that Tucows must provide this information to assist federal authorities.

Interestingly, the subpoena was meant to remain confidential. However, the Archive.today official X (formerly Twitter) account posted the document publicly on October 30, the same day it was issued, accompanied by a link to the PDF and the word “canary,” hinting at a potential leak or warning.

Legal experts note that such investigations highlight the delicate balance between privacy rights and national security efforts. As authorities seek transparency, questions about user privacy and the platform’s role in information sharing continue to grow.

David Nield

Dave is a freelance tech journalist with over 20 years covering gadgets, apps, and the web. From Stockport, England, he covers news, features, and reviews for TechRadar, focusing on phones, tablets, and wearables. He ensures top weekend breaking news and has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci, and others. He edited PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook for years. Read me on x.com or linkedin.