Sede Vacante: Chinas Provocations Toward the Vatican

Many users found themselves unable to access the Spectator website recently due to a security measure implemented by the site’s owner. This restriction, marked by an HTTP response code 503, led to a temporary block on access for users, particularly those connecting from certain areas.

The block was triggered on May 17, 2025, at 1:47 PM GMT. According to the site, this action was taken for security reasons, as their system mistakenly identified some users as bots. For those who believe they were wrongfully blocked, the site encourages reaching out via email for assistance.

Visitors using Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) may also want to disable them, as this could be contributing to their access issues. The site has provided an email address, support@spectator.org, for users seeking help.

In a separate note, WordPress users with administrative rights can regain access by entering their email addresses on the site. This will trigger an email with instructions to unlock their accounts.

Wordfence, a popular security plugin for WordPress, is managing these access restrictions. It is used on millions of websites to help protect against unauthorized access and other security threats. Users looking for more information on how Wordfence operates can consult their documentation or visit their website.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing security with user access in the digital age. As more websites implement stringent security measures, users may need to adjust their online habits to ensure uninterrupted access.

Author

  • The American Drudge Report - Always Telling the Truth

    Robert Jerson likes to find the story inside the story. Give him a stack of filings, a half-deleted tweet, and a late-night whistleblower email, and he’ll map the connections before sunrise. A decade in data-driven journalism taught him that headlines rarely show the whole picture, so he follows the footnotes, cross-checks the numbers, and calls the people left out of the press release. His investigations dig into national politics, media ethics, and the digital sleights of hand that shape what we believe. Robert writes for readers who want more than a quick click—he writes so you can see the levers being pulled and decide what you think for yourself.