Introduction

Unveiling shady scams poses challenges. Imagine spreading awareness only to face administrative and legal actions aimed at silencing and demoralizing you. Regulations and legal procedures, like takedown requests, have noble intentions, but they’re susceptible to widespread abuse, often manipulated by scammers to censor and target online creators.

A DMCA (Digital Millennium Copyright Act) takedown request is a formal notice dispatched to online platforms to remove copyrighted material used without permission. This process involves the copyright owner or their representative asking the platform to take down the infringing content, citing specific details outlined in the DMCA. Upon validation, the platform must swiftly remove or disable access to the content to avert legal consequences. Users who posted the content may counterclaim if they believe their use is lawful or falls under fair use, potentially restoring the content. Tech companies like Google often refrain from evaluating the request’s content, opting to relay the message and temporarily remove the disputed content until the dispute is resolved.

This blog centres on consumer-related issues within the technology realm. In my ongoing campaign to raise awareness against Karatbars International and its offshoot GSPartners’ fraudulent activities, I’ll explain the recent deceitful attempt by GSPartners associates to take down my original blog post, highlighting their intent to censor my content.

The Takedown Attempt

DMCA takedown notification from Google Search for a URL on louisnel.co.za
The DMCA takedown request as sent by Google on Sat, 25 November at 03:17.

Someone using the pseudonym “sergio luan” made a false copyright claim on November 27, 2023, against my blog post titled “Caught in the Crossfire – Scams, Scammers, and the Scammed.” I wrote this post in June 2021 after GSPartners sued several YouTube creators and others who publicly criticized them. They alleged that my completely original blog about my personal experiences infringed on their copyright, which was clearly a fraudulent attempt to misuse the takedown request system.

Their motive to remove it is understandable since it reveals their bullying tactics and shady dealings, which doesn’t cast them in a favorable light. It also highlights how I’ve become a target for these individuals in light of their upcoming defamation lawsuit.

The takedown had a direct impact, causing a loss of website traffic and demonetizing the specific post, leading to lost ad revenue during its suspension. Most importantly, it severely hampers freedom of expression. Using takedown requests to silence critics who expose bad actors and questionable investment schemes is an abuse of the process and goes against the public service these critics provide by shedding light on such issues.

Fighting Back

On Monday, November 27, 2023, I submitted a counter-notice to Google to regain ownership of my original content. Here’s why I believe this request is fraudulent:

This is an original blog post written by me detailing the details of targeted actions by individuals associated with Karatbars and GSPartners.

GSPartners is currently under federal investigation in the US for running an unlawful investment scheme, with no fewer than 17 states having issued warnings or cease and desist orders.

It is also essential that this information stays online as it puts the company and its promoters in a bad light for filing a potential SLAPP lawsuit (GSB and others vs G-crypt – 3769/21 – KZN High Court) in which I am a respondent.

This post does not contain any copyrighted material and is a 100% original piece detailing my personal dealings with a very dubious company.

They forwarded it to the user who falsely requested my content’s removal. If this scammer doesn’t take legal action against me within 10 working days, they’ll restore the blog post in Google search results. This wasn’t about physically removing content from a website but censoring it entirely from Google search results. In some extreme cases, the fraudulent takedown request can force the website owner to hosting companies, like in this article on the crypto.org.za website.

Trying to sue me for writing an original blog post and misusing the DMCA takedown system seems like a stretch! Someone named “sergio luan” claims ownership of my blog post, using a lowercase version of a famous footballer’s name – quite unusual. Google acknowledged my counter-claim promptly. Then, it was a waiting game.

Google’s DMCA process lacks transparency. They only update you via email, causing difficulties for creators reliant on this income stream. The lack of feedback means cases like this can drag on for weeks.

DMCA counter-notice for URL on louisnel.co.za
DMCA counter-notice acknowledged by Google on 1 December 2023.

The false DMCA takedown was submitted on November 25, 2023. They’ve got a 10-day window to file a legitimate legal case; otherwise, Google must restore the content. I’m still waiting for any updates. Google’s process lacks transparency; it’s solely reliant on their email communications.

Due to that DMCA claim, Google AdSense has demonetized the URL on my website. I won’t earn any ad revenue from ads displayed to users on that page. This incident demonstrates how a deceitful DMCA claim can directly impact innocent individuals, causing income loss.

A screenshot of my website Google Adsense account.
A screenshot of my website Google Adsense account. The URL under copyright dispute was demonetized pending the outcome of the DMCA takedown request.

I urge all readers of this blog to delve deeper into DMCA abuse and endorse initiatives aimed at reforming the system. While the concept is commendable, as highlighted in this post, it’s unfortunately susceptible to widespread misuse.

Exposing the Scam

Karatbars’ shift from small gold bars to GSPartners’ digital assets and G999 promises marked by MLM tactics promised huge returns but faced regulatory scrutiny. Karatbars has been liquidated, leaving questions about whether GSPartners will meet a similar fate or find a way to avoid it, as seen with their rebranding to GSPro to sidestep regulators.

Independent creators serve a vital role in uncovering corporate misconduct and safeguarding consumers from scams. Regulatory frameworks often lag behind in adapting to new tech and businesses, particularly in the cryptocurrency realm.

Conclusion:

Finally, on Friday, December 15, the content was restored, nearly three weeks after it was wrongly flagged.

Notice from Google to say that the DMCA takedown request has been resolved and the content reinstated.
Notice from Google to say that the DMCA takedown request has been resolved and the content reinstated.

This blog post highlights the need to defend free speech and hold influential companies responsible. I urge readers to raise awareness about online scams and stand by creators confronting censorship attempts.

Despite what occurred, I’m committed to my fight against Karatbars and GSPartners, standing alongside others who’ve tirelessly exposed these scams, often at great personal expense. Ultimately, the truth always wins.