Online attack disrupts Web freedom group providing uncensored content in China

A U.S.-subsidized advocacy group that helps Internet users inside China bypass blockages on censored content says it is suffering a mysterious denial-of-service attack disrupting its operations.

Greatfire.org says the attack started two days ago and Internet traffic is 2,500 times above normal. It says the attack has affected "mirror," or duplicate, websites that it has set up via encrypted web services offered by companies like Amazon.

Greatfire.org said the attack has interfered with visitors to sites that have material from news sites including Boxun.com, which publicizes allegations of corruption and human rights abuses inside China.

The group said in a statement Thursday it does not know who is behind the attack, but it follows public criticism from Chinese authorities.