Digital Preservation

FiveThirtyEight Articles Disappear, Raising Historical Record Concerns

It appears that a significant portion of FiveThirtyEight’s archived articles, particularly those concerning political analysis and data, have become inaccessible, leading to widespread concern and speculation. This disappearance is not a minor glitch but rather a noticeable void where previously available historical data and analysis once resided. The implications for future historical understanding, especially concerning pivotal elections like that of 2020, are substantial, as these articles offered a unique perspective and detailed breakdowns that are now harder to access.

The situation has sparked discussions about the motivations behind this vanishing act. Some suggest it’s part of a broader effort to alter the historical narrative, particularly concerning the 2020 presidential election, making it more difficult for historians and the public to independently verify events and analyses.… Continue reading

Hackers claim ‘catastrophic’ Internet Archive attack

It’s truly disheartening to hear about the recent cyber-attack on the Internet Archive, which hackers claim to be ‘catastrophic’. This iconic platform, often referred to as the digital library of the internet, has been a valuable resource for countless individuals, providing access to a vast collection of web pages, texts, images, and videos. The Internet Archive has been a beacon of knowledge and a treasure trove of historical information that has enriched the lives of many.

The attack on the Internet Archive is akin to committing arson at a library, destroying valuable information and resources that were freely accessible to the public.… Continue reading