ProZ.com Translation Forums

Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile | Does anyone from the staff read this thread at all?

Sophie Dzhygir — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 09:28:00 +0000

Forum: ProZ.com job systems
Topic: Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile
Poster: Sophie Dzhygir
Post title: Does anyone from the staff read this thread at all?

[quote]Sophie Dzhygir wrote:

Henry (or anyone from the staff), any update? [/quote]

Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile | Wayback Machine - Internet Archive

Stephanie Wloch — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 07:55:00 +0000

Forum: ProZ.com job systems
Topic: Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile
Poster: Stephanie Wloch
Post title: Wayback Machine - Internet Archive

[quote]Madeleine MacRae Klintebo wrote:
Same as with the other site, all this seems to relate to old date from proz that has only recently appeared on various sites. Makes me wonder how proz disposes of old data. [/quote]Or how the internet archives dispose of old date?
Like the Wayback Machine?
[url removed] */ [url removed]

Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile | Thanks for reminding me to be vigilant Claudio

Madeleine MacRae Klintebo — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 22:21:00 +0000

Forum: ProZ.com job systems
Topic: Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile
Poster: Madeleine MacRae Klintebo
Post title: Thanks for reminding me to be vigilant Claudio

Did another search and found my profile, and a forum posting that supposedly is mine (heading from a proz posting, the rest is b......t, I never end a message with "Cheers") on something called babelport.com. Tried to send a threatening message, but but the button in the contact form was only a non-clickable image, so no luck.

Funny thing is that "my" homepage appears to have"glocalnet.net/glocalnet/wordplay" as part of its name. Glocalnet was my isp up until summer 2005 and "wordplay" was one of the company names I played around with at the time.

Same as with the other site, all this seems to relate to old date from proz that has only recently appeared on various sites. Makes me wonder how proz disposes of old data.

Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile | Illegal use of identity

Claudio Porcellana (X) — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 21:14:00 +0000

Forum: ProZ.com job systems
Topic: Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile
Poster: Claudio Porcellana (X)
Post title: Illegal use of identity

Hi all

no one password, nor a retina scanner can protect us from cyberspace visibility!
and this (improbable) protection would be anyway a disadvantage to us

i.e. , you can even put a drawbridge in front of your house but if your curtains are always open, your privacy is null

I tried a search with my name+surname and found about ten fake websites and one of them is named arabiatranslations or so

no one of them posed browsing security issues as Firefox, nor KIS said anything

all them are a hotchpotch of names, surnames, addresses, qualifications, sex words, celebrities names and so on

there is nothing to do against these beasts as, I suppose, they collect sensible informations (ours included) simply to gain a higher Google score

Claudio

[Edited at 2009-09-01 21:19 GMT]

Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile | Nice to hear, Viktoria!

Sophie Dzhygir — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 20:23:00 +0000

Forum: ProZ.com job systems
Topic: Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile
Poster: Sophie Dzhygir
Post title: Nice to hear, Viktoria!

I'm happy for you.

But my data is still there. I did not require the site to remove them: they got there by Proz's fault, so it's Proz's business to have them removed.

Henry (or anyone from the staff), any update?

Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile | At long last!

Viktoria Gimbe — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 22:32:00 +0000

Forum: ProZ.com job systems
Topic: Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile
Poster: Viktoria Gimbe
Post title: At long last!

I have just checked the site in question, and "my" account is gone now. I wonder: if I was eventually able to get my data removed, how come ProZ couldn't? I mean, it really was only a matter of e-mailing them...

Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile | Success at last

Madeleine MacRae Klintebo — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 20:14:00 +0000

Forum: ProZ.com job systems
Topic: Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile
Poster: Madeleine MacRae Klintebo
Post title: Success at last

I sent another threatening message using their online contact function last night, and at last my details appear to have been removed (after a month of trying).

The whole issue could have been resolved more easily if proz had been able to supply me with the email address I used to open my account in 2003 (and haven't used, or had access to, since June or July 2005). But it appears orc recently had access to more info about me than proz state that they currently do (unless they harvested my account some years ago).

All's well that ends well, but it still leaves a question. Where did orc get the info from? Either they harvested my account in the summer of 2005 or proz holds data in their databases of which they're not aware.

Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile | Thanks, Katherine!

Viktoria Gimbe — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 01:26:00 +0000

Forum: ProZ.com job systems
Topic: Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile
Poster: Viktoria Gimbe
Post title: Thanks, Katherine!

[quote]Katherine Mérignac wrote:

I hope things sort themselves out for you Viktoria.[/quote]
Thank you for the encouragement. It seems I do need it--"my" account is still there.

I don't understand how is it possible that identity theft is such a hot topic, that there are serious laws and regulations in place all over the world to fight this, that there are myriad law enforcement organizations whose job it is to protect people from such abuse, yet nothing can be done and nobody is willing to lift a finger to help. I have contacted the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Interpol, the domain registrar, etc. I have naturally also contacted the site in question.

Nothing.

Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile | Profile removed (automatically?)

heikeb (X) — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 22:51:00 +0000

Forum: ProZ.com job systems
Topic: Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile
Poster: heikeb (X)
Post title: Profile removed (automatically?)

I didn't do anything about my profile on that site, ie. I didn't request it to be removed etc.

But it has apparently been removed nevertheless, at least it doesn't show up in the Google search with by Proz user name or any other search. Maybe somebody else who did not request removal of their profile could verify?

Interestingly enough, due to that fake profile on that site, I found out that my German last name (Behl) is apparently quite common in India... Maybe more common there than in Germany! :D

Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile | Successfully deleted

Katherine Mérignac — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 10:47:00 +0000

Forum: ProZ.com job systems
Topic: Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile
Poster: Katherine Mérignac
Post title: Successfully deleted

I also found out about this problem thanks to Henry's email, and successfully removed the information by following the steps outlined by Katalin - so thanks for that. And thank you, Henry, for sending a general email, otherwise I would never have found out about the problem - I would love to spend more time following the forums, but there don't appear to be enough hours in the day!

I hope things sort themselves out for you Viktoria.

K

Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile | Profile no longer exists

Walter Landesman — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 21:18:00 +0000

Forum: ProZ.com job systems
Topic: Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile
Poster: Walter Landesman
Post title: Profile no longer exists

I found out about the stolen profiles issue and about this thread through Henry`s email notification.

I searched OSR and found my name and profile on it. I used the forgot PW feature just to check if they would email me to my real email address, which they did. I did not reply nor changed PW.

I used the Contac us link instead. I sent them an email saying that I had run into my profile in that site and that it was new to me and I had no idea at all, could they explain how it got there, please?

I never received any reply at all from them, but my profile dissapeared after a couple of days. It`s not there any more.

Just to let you know.

Walter

Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile | Domain registrar and e-mail cease and desist

Viktoria Gimbe — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:43:00 +0000

Forum: ProZ.com job systems
Topic: Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile
Poster: Viktoria Gimbe
Post title: Domain registrar and e-mail cease and desist

Thanks for the information, Marius. I wrote to the registrar the day you posted, but I have no news so far. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

I have sent a more than convincing e-mail to OSR more than a week ago--my data is still displayed on their website. I guess I'll have to write them an even more convincing e-mail...

I'll keep you all posted. However, please also keep me posted on your experience. I guess we will all have to network to get rid of this nuisance.

Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile | I changed the password and was informed to the efect that it has been updated

Narasimhan Raghavan — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 15:23:00 +0000

Forum: ProZ.com job systems
Topic: Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile
Poster: Narasimhan Raghavan
Post title: I changed the password and was informed to the efect that it has been updated

I received in this connection no email to my knowledge.

Regards,
N. Raghavan

[quote]Alejandro Cavalitto wrote:

Hello Narasimhan,

Please note that new passwords require confirmation before becoming effective. If you confirmed your new password (via the email that was sent to you when you selected it), could you please submit a support request on this, so that staff can better help you with the issue?

Best regards,

Alejandro Cavalitto
ProZ.com Staff [/quote]

Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile | Could you please submit a support request to report this?

Alejandro Cavalitto — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 12:54:00 +0000

Forum: ProZ.com job systems
Topic: Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile
Poster: Alejandro Cavalitto
Post title: Could you please submit a support request to report this?

Hello Narasimhan,

Please note that new passwords require confirmation before becoming effective. If you confirmed your new password (via the email that was sent to you when you selected it), could you please submit a support request on this, so that staff can better help you with the issue?

Best regards,

Alejandro Cavalitto
ProZ.com Staff

Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile | Is Proz serious about changing the password?

Narasimhan Raghavan — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 03:14:00 +0000

Forum: ProZ.com job systems
Topic: Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile
Poster: Narasimhan Raghavan
Post title: Is Proz serious about changing the password?

As a result of this thread proz contacted me to strengthen the password, which was just of 7 characters. Mine was termed as a weak password. So I opted for an alphanumeric one containing 11 characters, which proz characterized as being strong. I was assured that my new password has taken effect.

But the other day I was in another city where I went to a cybercafe for email checking. I tried to log in to my proz account using my new password and I was shocked to find that it was not effective. I tried the good old 7-character password and I was logged in immediately.

On returning home I logged out from proz and then again logged in with the old password only.

What is happening here?

Regards,
N. Raghavan

Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile | Regarding THAT account that was created without our permission

Carolina A P — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 19:46:00 +0000

Forum: ProZ.com job systems
Topic: Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile
Poster: Carolina A P
Post title: Regarding THAT account that was created without our permission

Katalin: Thanks a lot for your help!

What I was able to do when I could log in is to delete or deactivate the account. In that way, I was successfully removed from that website.

Hopefully, this will help you all.

It worked for me.

Thanks!

Carol

Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile | Immediately removed my profile

Stephanie Wloch — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 12:48:00 +0000

Forum: ProZ.com job systems
Topic: Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile
Poster: Stephanie Wloch
Post title: Immediately removed my profile

[quote]Cindy Chadd wrote:
I used the "contact us" link on their site, told them I had not created the profile and the information was posted without my knowledge or authorization, and asked them to remove it immediately. (..). They did not contact me or respond in any other way to my request, just removed the information. [/quote] The same procedure here, but they removed my profile the next day. :-)

Try it again via "Contact us", Viktoria. Good luck!

Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile | Viktoria...

tazdog (X) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 04:47:00 +0000

Forum: ProZ.com job systems
Topic: Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile
Poster: tazdog (X)
Post title: Viktoria...

[quote]ViktoriaG wrote:

I have tried every possible solution to get my data removed. Nothing works.

I wrote to OSR last week demanding they immediately remove the data. I took care in mentioning that I have archived data from their site to prove that they have stolen my identity, and that I was just waiting to click on Send to forward the data to authorities. I have so far received no reply and "my" account is still there.

Has anybody succeeded in removing their data by asking them to do so by e-mail? If yes, please let me know how you did it, how long it took to get the data removed, what OSR told you, etc. I want my data removed, and it seems the powers that be are unwilling to help and/or inefficient.

Thanks! [/quote]

I contacted them shortly after this thread was started, which was when I discovered they had my information posted. I used the "contact us" link on their site, told them I had not created the profile and the information was posted without my knowledge or authorization, and asked them to remove it immediately. It took them a few days, maybe as long as a week, but they did remove it. They did not contact me or respond in any other way to my request, just removed the information.

Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile | To Katalin...THANK YOU:)!

RoxanaTrad (X) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 22:15:00 +0000

Forum: ProZ.com job systems
Topic: Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile
Poster: RoxanaTrad (X)
Post title: To Katalin...THANK YOU:)!

Thank you Katalin.
I finally managed to delete my "profile" on OSR following your instructions. I 've tried to, several times actually, within the past few weeks but something always went wrong. However, I've been reading recently how others managed to do it while following your advice and it encouraged me to try again. Well, it worked.
Thank you!

Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile | reporting the abuse to domain registrar

Marius Valiukas — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 21:44:00 +0000

Forum: ProZ.com job systems
Topic: Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile
Poster: Marius Valiukas
Post title: reporting the abuse to domain registrar

[quote]ViktoriaG wrote:

I have tried every possible solution to get my data removed. Nothing works.

I wrote to OSR last week demanding they immediately remove the data. I took care in mentioning that I have archived data from their site to prove that they have stolen my identity, and that I was just waiting to click on Send to forward the data to authorities. I have so far received no reply and "my" account is still there.

Has anybody succeeded in removing their data by asking them to do so by e-mail? If yes, please let me know how you did it, how long it took to get the data removed, what OSR told you, etc. I want my data removed, and it seems the powers that be are unwilling to help and/or inefficient.

Thanks! [/quote]

Dear Viktoria,

I also "found" my "profile" on that website and wrote them demanding to remove my info. However, my two emails went into the water. I think that we have one more option remaining - on the basis of WHOIS information of this website/domain, we can write an email to the domain registrar (the registrar seems to be located in the UK where laws are really strict, I think, for the cases we have). Proz could also walk an extra mile - one thing is "an individual case/complaint", much more "weight" would be if Proz contacts the registrar too. Let's cooperate for the interest of self-protection.

WHOIS info:

Domain Name: OUTSOURCINGROOM.COM
Registrar: KEY-SYSTEMS GMBH
Whois Server: whois.rrpproxy.net
Referral URL: [url removed]
Name Server: NS2.UKRDNS.BIZ
Name Server: NS3.UKRDNS.BIZ
Status: ok
Updated Date: 16-jul-2009
Creation Date: 05-feb-2009
Expiration Date: 05-feb-2010

tech-contact: P-DJC460
tech-organization: MT Management Group Limited
tech-fname: Host
tech-lname: Master
tech-street: 122 - 126 Tooley Street
tech-city: London
tech-zip: SE1 2TU
tech-country: GB
tech-phone: +44. [phone removed]
tech-fax: +44. [phone removed]
tech-email: [email removed]

billing-contact: P-DJC460
billing-organization: MT Management Group Limited
billing-fname: Host
billing-lname: Master
billing-street: 122 - 126 Tooley Street
billing-city: London
billing-zip: SE1 2TU
billing-country: GB
billing-phone: +44. [phone removed]
billing-fax: +44. [phone removed]
billing-email: [email removed]

[Edited at 2009-08-11 21:50 GMT]

Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile | Thanks!

Maria Laura Deschamps — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 21:04:00 +0000

Forum: ProZ.com job systems
Topic: Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile
Poster: Maria Laura Deschamps
Post title: Thanks!

Many thanks Katalin for all the info! Successfully deleted all the stolen info! ;)

Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile | Has anybody succeeded in getting their data removed through an e-mail cease and desist?

Viktoria Gimbe — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:22:00 +0000

Forum: ProZ.com job systems
Topic: Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile
Poster: Viktoria Gimbe
Post title: Has anybody succeeded in getting their data removed through an e-mail cease and desist?

I have tried every possible solution to get my data removed. Nothing works.

I wrote to OSR last week demanding they immediately remove the data. I took care in mentioning that I have archived data from their site to prove that they have stolen my identity, and that I was just waiting to click on Send to forward the data to authorities. I have so far received no reply and "my" account is still there.

Has anybody succeeded in removing their data by asking them to do so by e-mail? If yes, please let me know how you did it, how long it took to get the data removed, what OSR told you, etc. I want my data removed, and it seems the powers that be are unwilling to help and/or inefficient.

Thanks!

Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile | Thank you, Katalin

Liza Kosiadou — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 06:36:00 +0000

Forum: ProZ.com job systems
Topic: Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile
Poster: Liza Kosiadou
Post title: Thank you, Katalin

[quote]

I hope this helps.
Katalin

[/quote]

Thank you, Katalin! I've just managed to remove my account! I'm so relieved!

Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile | Closing the thread

Henry Dotterer — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 18:00:00 +0000

Forum: ProZ.com job systems
Topic: Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile
Poster: Henry Dotterer
Post title: Closing the thread

OK, folks, support requests coming in on this issue have slowed considerably. I want to take this opportunity to thank Roxana, once again, for first bringing this up. I also want to thank Katalin, Neil and others who helped get us on the right track in the investigation, and those who otherwise cooperated to improve matters in this unfortunately incident. A big thank you to those who took matters in stride, offering encouragement in the midst of a very challenging period.

Support staff members, and I, have come in today (Saturday) and are on duty to continue addressing the issue and answer related questions. Some of us will be on tomorrow, too. If anyone has an urgent concern and needs to speak with me directly, please send an email and I will give you my skype info.

We'll keep posting updates to the security page regarding progress in getting the content down, pursuing justice, improving security, and otherwise taking steps to ensure this sort of thing does not happen again.

(I wrote "closing the thread" but I have left it open. Post if you absolutely must!)

Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile | Actions aren't that unreasonable

Neil Coffey — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 15:57:00 +0000

Forum: ProZ.com job systems
Topic: Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile
Poster: Neil Coffey
Post title: Actions aren't that unreasonable

In any security breach, it's generally better to FIX THE SECURITY FIRST and worry about the public relations later. As I understand it, Henry and the team have done things pretty much in the order that you'd expect-- they first concentrated their efforts on fixing the security of the site, and THEN moved on to the public relations (e-mailing users affected) and dealing with the site that scraped the data. In the latter respect, issuing a DMCA notice seems the most appropriate course of action-- as I mentioned before, the actions of the company scraping the data are essentially a copyright issue rather than being criminal as such.

@William -- normally, it's not a good idea to reply to spam because spammers typically work with data (e.g. e-mail addresses) that they are much less certain is correct. For example, they often simply make up a massive number of e-mail addresses (e.g. by prefixing common names to @aol.com) on the off-chance that some of the addresses will be valid. So in that case, replying to a spam is genuinely giving the spammers some information they didn't know.

In the case of a site that's already fairly certain it has a valid e-mail address, it's not really giving them much extra information to log on with that e-mail address. If you're lucky, the DMCA notice may get your information taken down in a few months' time. If your underlying issue is simply getting your information removed from the rogue site as quickly as possible, then I would be tempted to go for the pragmatic option on this occasion-- swallow your pride and just log in and delete it using the facility they've provided.

Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile | Please use the support system. If you must post, please do so carefully!

Henry Dotterer — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 15:45:00 +0000

Forum: ProZ.com job systems
Topic: Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile
Poster: Henry Dotterer
Post title: Please use the support system. If you must post, please do so carefully!

As you may know, site staff members and moderators have been encouraging those with information, suggestions or questions related to the security incident to communicate directly with staff members via the support system.

The overwhelming majority of site users have complied with this request. Thank you! As you have provided information, staff members have added it to the security page. As you have asked questions, staff members have answered them and added them to that page. In this way, it has been possible to make sure that the information going out is accurate. The feedback loop provided by support has made it possible to adapt texts to clarify in cases where information has been misunderstood.

In short, this approach appears to be working well. Therefore, I would once again ask that if you have something to say concerning this incident, you do so via support. This will help us to best address the current situation.

If you must continue to post, please, do so carefully, and with consideration for the fact that some people are still very much on edge about this. I understand Ralf's concern, but in the current environment, there are a few people who might read that sort of speculation and be pushed into undo panic.

In short: support.
And if for some reason you must post: facts.

Thanks!

Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile | Data accessed in this incident is not the sort associated with identity theft

Henry Dotterer — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 15:25:00 +0000

Forum: ProZ.com job systems
Topic: Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile
Poster: Henry Dotterer
Post title: Data accessed in this incident is not the sort associated with identity theft

[quote]Ralf Lemster wrote:
Probably, but that's not all. From my perspective as an outsourcer, there's a risk that someone could seize "my" profile there, to outsource jobs under my name (or using my company's details). [/quote]
Hang on there, Ralf. Yes, someone could take control of the outsourcingroom profile - but they could just as easily create one in your name there or anywhere - so this incident does not change that. (And lest anyone misinterpret, the incident did not involve disclosure of private 'company details'.)

To be clear, the data accessed in this incident does not include the types of data normally required to assume an identity, ie. credit card, bank info, national identity numbers, etc.

Spam is the worst that anyone has reported so far as a direct result of this incident. We are monitoring the situation closely, and will let you know if there are any other negative effects reported.

Note that Roxana's experience with someone using her CV did not involve the data accessed in this incident.

Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile | That's why I didn't contact them

Ralf Lemster — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 12:47:00 +0000

Forum: ProZ.com job systems
Topic: Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile
Poster: Ralf Lemster
Post title: That's why I didn't contact them

Hi William,
[quote]
a) Doesnt emailing the site in question from your "ProZ registered" email account put your head above the parapet so to speak? [/quote]
That's exactly why I did not contact them.

[quote]b) Isn't the greatest danger that we are facing that of receiving Spam? [/quote]
Probably, but that's not all. From my perspective as an outsourcer, there's a risk that someone could seize "my" profile there, to outsource jobs under my name (or using my company's details).

We've seen several such cases in the past; of course, the companies affected were able to prove that they had not placed such assignments - but it took them considerable effort to clear their name.

Best, Ralf

Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile | Maybe I'm missing a number of points here but...

William Pairman — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 09:35:00 +0000

Forum: ProZ.com job systems
Topic: Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile
Poster: William Pairman
Post title: Maybe I'm missing a number of points here but...

I'm lucky enought to feature twice on the site in question - Go Me!

Anyway, my two cents worth

a) Doesnt emailing the site in question from your "ProZ registered" email account put your head above the parapet so to speak? It's sort of like replying to spam, it "lets them know you're there" and actually makes things worse. As someone has said earlier, they may remove your name from the site but you be sure its still in some archive which will undoubtedly be passed on to some other such shady organisation

and connected to this point

b) Isn't the greatest danger that we are facing that of receiving Spam? Yes its annoying and yes I guess there are site security issues which I imagine are being sorted, but given the fact our credit card details haven't been compromised then the worst that can happen is we get a few more emails along the lines of "New ideas for mydomain.com" or "Career opportunities!" and the like. You add the offending terms to your spam filters and job done. When all's said and done the vast majority of us already feature in god knows how many lists and the worst that happens is exposure to email scams which are patently visible a mile off

Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile | That 's what ProZ.com have done

Ralf Lemster — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 07:27:00 +0000

Forum: ProZ.com job systems
Topic: Illegal use of data from ProZ.com profile
Poster: Ralf Lemster
Post title: That 's what ProZ.com have done

David,
[quote]Why can't ProZ simply ask for all illegally obtained profiles to be removed, instead of forcing us to do it?[/quote]
That's what Henry & Co. have done, as indicated on the [url= [url removed] ]Security Notification[/url] page:

[quote]
Could you be more specific? What attempts have been made to get the information removed from the Internet?

ProZ.com staff members consider it the responsibility of the site to do everything within reason to have the private content that was improperly accessed removed from the web. To this end, as a first step a request for removal was sent to those operating outsourcingroom.com. There was no response and attempts to establish contact were not successful. A "cease and desist" letter and DMCA filings were then prepared. Legal options have been investigated but no action has yet been initiated. A report has been given to appropriate law enforcement bodies, ISPs hosting the site have been notified, and other steps have been taken. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that any of these efforts will be successful in the near term, if at all. However, the process will be pursued to the extent possible.[/quote]

The problem with this page is that it is rather hard to find; there's a link on the home page (shown in very small font, though), but it's not even shown on the "About" main menu item.

HTH, Ralf

[Edited at 2009-08-08 12:47 GMT]