The FBI is currently demanding that Wikipedia remove the federal agency’s official seal from an entry about the FBI. An image search shows that more than 500 other websites also feature the image, but the boys in fedoras only seem to be going after Wikipedia.
To back their case, the FBI points to its regulations prohibiting the use of its seal for purposes of identification. Meanwhile, Wikipedia officials are pointing to the fact that an image on a web site is not likely to be used as a means of identification.
“Badges and identification cards are physical manifestations that may be used by a possessor to invoke the authority of the federal government. An encyclopedia article is not … The use of the image on Wikipedia is not for the purpose of deception or falsely to represent anyone as an agent of the federal government.”
Anyhow, the whole thing struck me as so ludicrous that I felt I had no option other than posting an image of the FBI seal right here because — you know — I don’t give a damn.
Related Articles
- FBI wants Wikipedia to remove its seal (news.cnet.com)
- FBI to Wikipedia: Remove our seal (cnn.com)
- FBI gives Wikipedia a seal of disapproval (sfgate.com)
- Wikipedia Takes On The FBI (lockergnome.com)
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I don't give a damn 
Linda Medrano
August 31, 2010
Frank’s gonna get in trouble!
nonamedufus
August 31, 2010
Boy, you’re lucky J. Edgar isn’t around anymore. Or you might find yourself in the soon to be poured concrete of the Hamilton football stadium.
Frank Lee MeiDere
September 1, 2010
Great. My death ends up as a lesson in irony.
Argentum Vulgaris
August 31, 2010
Tell’m to stick it in their ear… or another suitable orifice.
AV
Frank Lee MeiDere
September 1, 2010
I’ll think about it. In the meantime, how’s your book, “10 Secrets to Advancing Your Career,” coming along?
Frank Lee MeiDere
September 1, 2010
Okay — that reply probably didn’t make much sense. That’s because I was answering comments from the “Comment” dashboard on WordPress and lost track of which post your comment was for. I had it as being a comment concerning the request from the Standard for a photograph. In that case, telling them to “stick it in their ear” could be considered bad career advice, hence the witty reference to you writing a book about how to get ahead.
But you were commenting on the FBI post, and in that case telling them to “stick it in their ear” is just good, practical advice. (They got no jurisdiction here, anyhow.)
Sorry for the confusion — we will now resume regular programming.
Zhánzé
September 1, 2010
Sounds like they’ve proceeded from the X-Files to the Y-Files in the meantime.
Frank Lee MeiDere
September 1, 2010
Muldar: “These images of the FBI logo are showing up everywhere, Scully. I think it’s aliens. Or vampires. But probably aliens.”
Scully: I think you’ve got your head up your ass, Muldar.”
Ziva
September 1, 2010
Dude, you’re going to end up like Jimmy Hoffa.
Frank Lee MeiDere
September 1, 2010
I’m going to change my name to Ken Paulsen and play drums for a polka band?
Jimmy Hoffa
Jimmy Hoffa (as Ken Paulsen).
00dozo
September 1, 2010
Speaking of the FBI, I received an e-mail from some guy claiming to be a Special Agent in its Los Angeles Division, asking me for my personal info as someone was using my ATM card. He even provided a municipal address. Duh! I almost fell off of my chair laughing at the grammar (and, you know me and grammar), nevermind the typos and such.
In hindsight, I should’ve sent it to the FBI – these are the type of things it should be investigating and not bitching about such innocent use of its emblem (which I noticed is not copywritten or registered as a trademark – I mean, really, wasn’t that an option?).
Leeuna
September 1, 2010
You show ’em, Frank. Display it
blatantlywith pride. It’s not like you’re blowing the cover on a CIA operation.Frank Lee MeiDere
September 2, 2010
No, I wouldn’t want to interfere with Carl Rove’s job duties.
[Edit: I meant “Karl.”]
MikeWJ at TooManyMornings
September 1, 2010
Now your phones are tapped, your e-mail’s being monitored, and they’ll have an undercover “student” enroll in one of your classes to prove that you’re a terrorist.
No, wait. Even the FBI’s not THAT bored.
Hahahahaha! Damn, that was good one, wasn’t it, Frank?
P.S. Now I suppose you’re going to want to sit on Wikipedia’s board of directors, too?
Frank Lee MeiDere
September 1, 2010
Only if they serve wine or beer.