The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reportedly ran 23 child porn sites on the dark web. The running of these websites was undertaken as the part of a sting operation. The FBI reportedly ran Playpen for 13 days, before closing it down. Playpen is one of the most notorious child porn sites around.

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According to Ars Technica, some newly unsealed documents show that the FBI had the authorization to run 23 child porn sites to snare pedophiles. The documents were released following requests by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

"While Websites 1-23 operate at a government facility, such request data associated with a user's actions on Websites 1-23 will be collected. That data collection is not a function of the NIT," the documents said.

NIT is widely considered to be a type of malware. It is frequently used as an antidote to secretive Tor web and returns vital information such as original IP addresses, MAC address and the operating system of users.

However, FBI spokesman Christopher Allen told Ars Technica, "That was an extraordinary investigation, and to my knowledge may be the only time that has occurred. So to suggest this is a common thing is patently not true."

The investigation has drawn serious concerns from various legal experts. It is believed that in many cases, the FBI conducted remote searches which went beyond the US borders. It also raised questions about judges' capability to approve searches falling beyond their jurisdiction.

The incident also highlights the concerns regarding Rule 41. The rule was partially modified earlier this year and will become effective in December.