VeriSign demands website takedown powers

[Wendy Seltzer]

Thanks Alex and Kathy,

This development underscores the importance of including
freedom-of-expression impact analyses in the policy review.

We at NCSG should help ICANN staff to set a good framework for that
review in the current report on registrar contacts for law enforcement,
(Resolution 3.5 at <http://gnso.icann.org/resolutions/#201110>) that can
serve as an example and precedent for future cases.

--Wendy

On 10/11/2011 11:29 AM, Kathy Kleiman wrote:
> Tx you, Alex, for the posting.
>
> Takedowns is a growing issue, and Verisign's announcement builds upon
> meetings that international law enforcement representatives held with
> registries and registrars last year.  Verisign is asking for takedown
> powers. Also, working with the Serious Organized Crime Agency of the UK,
> Nominet (.UK) has issued a draft recommendation giving it takedown
> authority in cases of alleged serious crime.
> http://www.nominet.org.uk/news/latest?contentId=8617 (public comment
> period technically over).
>
> The direction is clear - this is what law enforcement wants. The
> question we can influence, I think, will be process:
> - How can we ensure that only the most serious crime is subject to this
> rapid takedown process?
> - How can we ensure free speech/freedom of expression websites are
> exempt ("The policy should exclude suspension where issues of freedom of
> expression are central aspects of the disputed issue," Nominet)?
> - How can we ensure a very rapid appeal for when mistakes occur?
> - How can we help the good faith domain name registrants know where to
> go for help?
>
> Best,
> Kathy (Kleiman)
>> No court order necessary
>> By Kevin Murphy
>> 11th October 2011
>>
>> <http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011/10/11/verisign_asks_for_web_takedown_powers/>
>>
>>
>
>


--
Wendy Seltzer -- wendy at seltzer.org +1 914-374-0613
Fellow, Yale Law School Information Society Project
Fellow, Berkman Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University
http://wendy.seltzer.org/
https://www.chillingeffects.org/
https://www.torproject.org/
http://www.freedom-to-tinker.com/