Archive...?

[pastafreak]

How does archive.org work?

[Buenchico]

Archive.org uses web crawlers (in much the same way that search engines do) to scour the internet for pages of information and then saves them, in perpetuity, to its own library.  People searching the internet at a later date will then be able to find that information, even if the original source material no longer exists.
https://help.archive.org/help/archive-org-information/

Anyone wanting to add a specific web page to the Archive's database can also upload it directly to the site:
https://help.archive.org/help/category/archive-org/uploading/

Archive.org is generally used in positive ways but it can be controversial because
(a) it can allow employers (etc) to view old newspaper reports which disclose job candidates' spent offences (which they're entitled to keep secret) ; and
(b) it can be used to make freely-accessible copies of material that's normally behind paywalls (as seems to happen here on AB quite often), which is illegal.

[PsalmEquipt]

The Internet Archive at archive.org allows users free access to a vast digital library. You can search for specific keywords or browse collections by media type, such as books, videos, audio, and software. A key feature is the "Wayback Machine," which enables you to explore archived versions of websites. Many items can be borrowed or downloaded. Besides archiving websites, the archive scans books and accepts digital contributions from individuals and institutions, fulfilling its mission of open access for research and public benefit.