I do not know 'Discussion board'. But I suspect it is open to all, i.e. I could read it Correct?

I think the abuse is for secret purposes and I do not only mean collusion with regard to stock trading. My suspicion is that the problem is same as with other hidden communication methods, for example during internet gaming.

The communications may be terrorist related, and hence highly regulated by authorities. If it was just cost I doubt it would have been the cost of maintenance as the cause. Those costs were known for years so why now?

These is my 2 cents worth, Ed.