Is it normal/legal for a host to ask for a Photo ID?
 

I've been an EV1 client for years... so I ordered a new server with them this week, but this time they suddenly asked for Photo ID to activate it. :error

Usually this wouldn't be a problem, but I've a been good client of EV1/rackshack for over 3 years and this made me feel both disappointed.... and also worried, cuz I remembered how the photos of people arrested for using prostitutes were posted on internet in some US state - maybe Bush wants to do same with adult webmasters followed by a list of domains they run? Or is this a normal requirement by hosts and I'm overreacting?

never happened to me

hasn't happened to me neither... that's why it's kinda scary... specially as I verified the account by phone at first and everything was ok, but when I added a domain containing "sex", I got an e-mail asking to send Photo ID for verification or the whole account will get closed in 24 hours. :Oh crap

ya i'de bet they will start a type of online mugshot database of pornographic related webmasters and shit for sure.

Photo ID for verification or the whole account will get closed in 24 hours. ?! :warning

you better leave them ASAP

I'll try to get to the bottom of the reason first... but the 24 hour deadline is certainly forceful tactics as the DNS can take 72 hours to redirect, so they know most existing clients would prefer sending the ID to getting downtime.

first time I heard of a host doing something like that...

Some places do it... Others do not... Usually it is only when you want shell/root access because they are supposed to keep those records when you do... (thanks to Kevin Mitnik)...

Scan your ID, but photochop some random face into it.

some do

if you got nuffin to hide ynot

Can understand showing photo ID makes sense with bigger payments, but that should not have anything to do with what kind of website you run, only the payment. Thats odd.
Its not legal either to keep photo IDs without your acceptance... at least not here. I'd back off, if I were you.

getting that way with so much CC fraud . . . . no big deal

Its never happened to me either.
I can see why they would ask though,
with so many asshole crooks out there.

And I don't see a problem with giving them a copy of my photo ID.
I have nothing to hide, this is after all a business.

very strange that they did it right after you added a sex domain maybe an extra layer of age verification?

Hell, I had a registrar ask me to do that.

I opened up an account and bought 7 or 8 domains within a week and they locked my account for fraud. They wanted to call the number I had on my account, but trouble is I am hardly ever home, so I kept missing their call. They would not specify a time they would call, so I'm sure as fuck not going to sit around all day waiting for namecheap to call me over $80 worth of domains. And they won't let you call them, which is bullshit. They don't even provide a phone number for support.

So I asked if there was any other way to do it, so I had to send in a copy of my driver's license. Pain in the ass. Apparently lots of other people get hit with that too.

Never heard of anything like that before.

webair asked for mine initially when they thought I was purchasing a dedicated server. I didnt have to furnish it, because I got a virtual account, but I think it's only required for those buying dedicated servers

first time i have heard of that, move to a new host if you don't want to give your id

I had the same happen when I wanted to order a second server at servermatrix. I'd say it's more to do with preventing CC fraud.

I think you will see a lot more of this. When my card numbers were taken, the first thing they bought were domains and hosting, lots of domains and various hosting from around the world.

weird. I got virtual from webair and had to send in mine :Oh crap

Some hosting sites asked mine too. Webair for example.

ISPs Fear Porn Regulations



They are going a step further to protect their asses ... can't blame them

Hmm, I had to give photo id to webair when setting up my hosting..

EDIT: Webair has been good so far I run clean adult sites and have nothing to hide. I found it odd but whatever it takes to keep my sites up and the money rolling ;)

I had to do the same thing when i ordered an EV1 server, my site is mainstream and has no adult content but they still required photo ID.

Its just a preventative measure for credit card fraud, porn doesnt factor in it at all.

:pimp Just tell them that you are an old customer of them and you don't want to waste time on sending them a copy of your id.

TY ... I'l move all my domains out of namecheap asap

The reason why they ask for a photo ID is to pervent frud and spam. its not that big of a deal.

I had to send Webair a copy of mine for SSH access on a virtual account once.
It's for fruad and security measures, nothing to really worry about. Bush isn't going to come to your door and hand you a bible or anything :1orglaugh

Guys, I have been in this business for some time. I have had friendly relations with FBI, local authorities and the Secret Service. None of them has asked me to provide any info like this to them. I would not see a need to ask you for it.

Maybe ev1 and others feel a need to know who is really using their servers.
In case you missed it, EV1 was the spot that a huge keylogging network was uploading everyones credit card info among other personal information