[2cb]

I agree with your speculation, this looks like a timing attack regarding a Tor or VPN server.

That said, while catching pedos is a good thing, their methods are still concerning for regular law abiding citizens. The road to hell is paved with good intentions…

[athms]

>while catching pedos is a good thing

Catching them? Pedophilia isn't illegal.

[dragonwriter]

A lot of people use “pedophilia” to mean “sexual abuse of children” and “pedophile” or “pedo” to mean “sexual abuser of children”. (E.g., RMS’s infamous defense of “consensual pedophilia” which, merits of the intended sentiment to the side, isn’t even a coherent thing to defend or oppose except under the misuse of “pedophilia” to refer to an act and not an inclination.)

[athms]

>A lot of people use...

I know and they are wrong. Words have meaning and it is difficult to communicate effectively if people use words incorrectly.