- Joined
- Apr 16, 2007
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If you're a VirginMedia customer and you mistype a domain into your address bar that isn't registered, or type a domain that no longer resolves to a site you now automatically get redirected to Virgin Media's "AdvancedSearch", along with sponsored links (right at the top, as you'd expect). Before you would just be redirected to a blank "this page cannot be displayed" error page.
Click on the "What is this page?" link and you get the following explanation...
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Advanced Network Error Search
Our advanced network error search helps you find the website you’re looking for quickly.
We all make mistakes when we type in website addresses. Perhaps we miss a few letters, or the website doesn't exist any longer. If an address you enter doesn’t locate a site, this handy feature will convert the incorrect address into a web search, so instead of an error message you will get a list of our closest matches, plus some additional related links.
Want more info?
You can find out more and tell us what you think here.
Don’t want to use this service?
No problem – you can opt out here
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So, your average internet user reaches this page, what's he/she going to do? He/she is most likely to either 1. Click on the sponsored link to directline.com at the top, which will cost DL well in excess of a fiver or 2. Will click on a link to one of their competitors.
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Thoughts? Any other UK ISPs do this?
Sure sounds like typosquatting on a mass scale to me, without the reg/renewal fees.
Click on the "What is this page?" link and you get the following explanation...
----
Advanced Network Error Search
Our advanced network error search helps you find the website you’re looking for quickly.
We all make mistakes when we type in website addresses. Perhaps we miss a few letters, or the website doesn't exist any longer. If an address you enter doesn’t locate a site, this handy feature will convert the incorrect address into a web search, so instead of an error message you will get a list of our closest matches, plus some additional related links.
Want more info?
You can find out more and tell us what you think here.
Don’t want to use this service?
No problem – you can opt out here
-----
So, your average internet user reaches this page, what's he/she going to do? He/she is most likely to either 1. Click on the sponsored link to directline.com at the top, which will cost DL well in excess of a fiver or 2. Will click on a link to one of their competitors.
-----
Thoughts? Any other UK ISPs do this?
Sure sounds like typosquatting on a mass scale to me, without the reg/renewal fees.
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