One of the most wonderful things about the internet is the freedom it gives people: they can express their opinions, start a business, pursue a hobby, or just chat with like-minded people anywhere in the world. But this freedom also means that people have to police themselves. In this article we tell you a complete guide that how to complain about a website if you find or see a malware in that site.
There is no special oversight body on the Internet that would monitor order in the same way that law enforcement monitors order in the real world. So if ordinary users see something blatantly offensive on the Internet or encounter fraud, they have to take action themselves and, if necessary, complain to the appropriate authorities.
Where should you complain about a website that is overstepping its bounds? It all depends on the nature of the problem.
Violation of advertising rules
In the search results of Yandex and Google, the word Advertisement or Ad is often found next to the titles. This means that these websites have paid for promotion in the search engine system through the Yandex.Direct and Google AdWords programs. And although this practice is completely legal, it can be abused by not very respectable sites, especially those that set high prices for services that should be free or much cheaper, such as visas and passports.
If you come across a site that you believe is promoting false information, you can report it on the Yandex Advertising Complaints and Feedback on AdWords Ads pages . Simply fill out the form and indicate the reason for your complaint. When you’re done, click to submit.
Fraudulent websites
Some websites contain false information, while others are outright fraudulent. Such websites should be reported to prevent other users from becoming their unwitting victims. If you find a website that promises mountains of gold or offers to buy a product at an incredibly low price (often a sign of counterfeit products), you can report it to Roskomnadzor and complain to the Internet Crime Complaint Center .`
Phishing websites
Phishing is one of the most common types of criminal activity on the Internet. Fraudsters create fake websites that look trustworthy in order to trick their victims into giving up personal data or financial information. To report such a site to Google Safe Browsing, enter the site URL and your comments on the Report Phishing Page page . To report a website to Yandex, follow the link and select the desired category.
Copyright infringement
Unfortunately, the internet is full of stolen and copied content. If you find a website that is suspected of violating copyright, such as using images without permission (possibly your own), you should ask the site administrator to remove the content that belongs to you.
If the site does not cooperate, you can contact the hosting company directly and ask them to resolve the issue. To find out what hosting the site is on, use the who.is service and enter the URL of the site on their page. The name of the hosting company will appear in the Registrar Info section. Use the search by company name to find out its contact information.
Removal of indecent or compromising photos and videos
Unfortunately, the practice of “revenge porn,” where an ex-partner posts intimate or overly explicit material online that was never intended for publication, is becoming increasingly common. Not only is it unpleasant for the victim who sees the post, but revenge porn can also have long-term consequences when Internet users download and forward such material millions of times. You can contact Google to request that such content be removed from search results using a special form
In the Yandex search engine, you need to make a request via the form with a request to remove information in accordance with the “Right to be forgotten”. This is a legal instrument with which you can remove links to resources with false, outdated or illegal information about a person from search results, in accordance with Article 10.3 of Federal Law No. 149-FZ .
Terrorist threats
If you follow the news, you know the role the Internet can play in organizing terrorist attacks. Terrorist groups around the world use the Internet to recruit supporters, plan and incite horrific acts of violence. If you find anything online that may be related to terrorist activity, you should report it to the Ministry of the Interior .
The Internet opens up a wealth of information and makes everyday life better in many ways. But it is not without risks. To minimize your own risks, install a reliable Internet security solution and always remain vigilant.
If you have any suspicions, report them.
Remember that much of what we consider unacceptable online (such as fraudulent content or indecent images) is also illegal in the real world. Therefore, it is necessary to report it to the appropriate authorities. Any illegal publications on websites can be reported to Roskomnadzor.
In 2021, Kaspersky Lab security solutions received two AV-TEST awards for performance and online protection . They showed excellent results in all tests.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
How to report a crypto exchange?
To report a crypto exchange, you can file a complaint with the relevant financial authority, such as the SEC (U.S.), FCA (U.K.), or local consumer protection agencies. Contact the exchange directly or submit a report through these regulators’ official websites.
How to complain about a website to google?
To complain about a website, go to Google’s Safe Browsing Report or Content Removal Tool. Report issues like spam, abusive content, or copyright violations, and Google will review them.
How to complain about a website uk?
In the U.K., report websites to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) for misleading ads, Action Fraud for scams, or Ofcom for harmful content. You can also file a complaint with Trading Standards for consumer issues.
How to complain about a website?
To complain about a website, contact the site’s support team directly. If unresolved, you can report issues to relevant authorities or regulators based on the type of complaint (e.g., fraud, harmful content).
Conclusion: How to complain about a Website
The internet offers a space for creativity, connection, and opportunity. However, with this freedom comes responsibility, and sometimes, the need to address websites that overstep boundaries. If you encounter offensive, fraudulent, or harmful content online, knowing how and where to report it can make a real difference.
For advertising violations, reach out to ad platforms like Google Ads or Yandex Direct if you see misleading content. Fraudulent websites can be reported to Roskomnadzor or the Internet Crime Complaint Center to help prevent others from falling victim. If you come across a phishing website, Google Safe Browsing and Yandex have dedicated channels to report these threats, helping to curb identity theft and other cybercrimes.
For copyright infringements, contacting the site administrator or hosting service directly can be effective, and “who.is” can help identify hosting information when needed. Sensitive content like revenge porn can also be reported to search engines to prevent further harm.
Internet safety starts with vigilance. By reporting these issues responsibly, you contribute to a safer digital environment. Take a moment to safeguard yourself online by installing trusted security software and staying aware of potential risks. And remember, reporting problems isn’t just about self-protection; it’s about fostering a safe online community for everyone.
For more tips on managing online risks and learning about reporting issues, you can contact us by our contact page.
