The Bad Bits Denylist is a list of hashed CIDs that have been flagged for various reasons (copyright violation, malware, etc). Each entry is the hex-encoded result of applying SHA2_256 to a <base32-encoded-cidv1-string>/<optional_path> string. This format is legacy and we are moving to support double-hashed mulihashes instead.
The purpose of this list is to allow IPFS node operators (e.g. someone running a public IPFS gateway) to opt into not hosting previously flagged content.
**View the Bad Bits Denylist (legacy format) **
View the Bad Bits Denylist (compact-format)
The IPFS community Code of Conduct applies to content served over the official https://ipfs.io public gateways run by Protocol Labs. It does not apply to all IPFS nodes, nor to the IPFS network as a whole.
Reporting #
Please report any violations via email to the abuse@ipfs.io group. The IPFS Infra team will handle all reports.
Protocol Labs also has a registered DMCA agent, and a public Google Form for DMCA takedown requests linked from ipfs.io/legal.
Frequently Asked Questions #
Why are they called "bad bits"? #
We use the term "bad bits" when discussing topics involving copyright violations, DMCA, GDPR, Code of Conduct, or malware. This is a tactic to facilitate fruitful public discussion of concepts of freedom, censorship, privacy, and safety without slipping into destructive discussion patterns.
I have other questions about IPFS gateways! #
Check out the Frequently Asked Questions about gateways in the main IPFS Docs.