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Other sites use HTTP, which their ISP MITMs, so the parent uses a VPN for all their connections. The VPN IP address is blocked for this link.

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No, they use a proxy to a virtual private server. Depending on the nature of the proxy and exit node, it may have a uniquely bad reputation, or is collateral damage from other bad actors in that cloud service.

Here is the FCC Complaint Center: https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us

It's hard to see a case to be made to block IPs with a "bad reputation" from accessing sites that are essentially text documents.

I can see that blocking IP ranges is part of a strategy to protect service signups, logins, or contact forms. But a gov agency publishing a piece of text? What's the risk that is mitigated by blocking IPs here?

They are hosting a lot of applications on various subdomains on fcc.gov. If they have tons of subdomains with login forms and services, and one without, why would they bother making special rules that should not affect typical usage for that one site?

being pedantic: all VPNs work that way

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