Can I prove somebody operated a website?¶

Potentially, but operation is broader than registering a domain or performing one technical action. It usually describes an ongoing combination of control, direction and activity.

Define the operational role¶

One person may fund the services, another administer the platform, staff publish content and a business owner receive proceeds. A developer can have extensive access without directing the enterprise.

Evidence of operation may therefore include domain and platform control, repeated administrative activity, payment for infrastructure, customer communications, instructions to others, control of business records and receipt of income.

It is like operating a shop: holding the lease, working the till, managing staff and receiving profits are different indicators. The overall picture matters, but each role should remain visible.

Build a timeline for the relevant period. Look for repeated and coordinated actions rather than one isolated login. Communications can show direction; platform records show execution; payment records show funding or benefit; devices can connect the accounts to a person.

Test delegation, shared access, compromise and changes of ownership. A person may operate only one part of the service or only during part of its life.