> Some kind of fingerprint block. The block persisted across IP addresses, browsers, incognito tabs, and devices so it can't be based on cookies / storage.
Then what is it based on, if it happens across different devices and different IP addresses?
I find it very surprising that the NSA would go to such technologically advanced lengths to block FOIA requesters from their website (which, needless to say, doesn't contain any sensitive information).
This honestly seems kinda fun. If one was really dedicated: buy new device with cash; purchased and used outside city of residence; don’t drive there, non-electric bike or walk; only use device to connect to the website from public wifi; never connect to own wifi; don’t use same VPN service as usual. Not sure if I missed anything. Probably did.
Or walk into an internet cafe. Cafe membership systems, if any, probably aren't yet connected enough to prevent showing you the raw Internet for first few minutes, for few more years. Everyone who's vocal online should try this once in a while. Even Google search results noticeably change depending on your social classes inferred from location and whatnot.
This seems like a good way to learn what information your system is leaking that it shouldn't be leaking, eg if you use a VPN and they still block you, your VPN is probably not doing what it claims to be doing. (AFAIK a correctly implemented VPN would not send any of your computer or browser information to nsa.gov.)
Then what is it based on, if it happens across different devices and different IP addresses?
I find it very surprising that the NSA would go to such technologically advanced lengths to block FOIA requesters from their website (which, needless to say, doesn't contain any sensitive information).