VeriSign demands website takedown powers

[Andrew A. Adams]

Kathy Kleiman wrote:
>>> 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?

Milton L Mueller responded:
>> All very good questions, Kathy. On your second question, involving
>> Nominet and the free expression exemption, is the quoted statement
>> already embedded in the nominet policy, or is it language you are
>> suggesting? I am sorry but I am not well-informed enough to know
>> which one.

Kathy Responded:
> The line I quoted is from Nominet's September Draft Recommendations. 
> There was a period of public comment through September, and now there
> is a quiet period as the recommendations and comments are evaluated. I
> have not seen a final version yet. I include the draft recommendation
> points below -- and the link to the full comment document.

> On an additional note, throughout the process of meetings with law
> enforcement this year and last year, I (and others) spent a lot of
> time raising concerns about free speech and freedom of expression, and
> urging special caution when when speech is at issue. I see evidence of
> listening...

> Below is a section of the Draft Recommendations -- and the full PDF
> can be found at
> http://www.nominet.org.uk/digitalAssets/51980_Draft_Issue_Group_Recommendations_on_Domain_Names__Criminal_Activity.pdf


While Ihaven't been involved in the discussion directly myself there has been 
significant discussion on the legal advisors to the Open Rights Group 
(http://www.openrightsgroup.org/) in which I was involved. There is a report 
from the ORG Exec Director, Jim Killock, about the discussions ORG was 
involved in with Nominet and other on this issue back in May here:

http://www.openrightsgroup.org/blog/2011/domain-seizures



-- 
Professor Andrew A Adams                      aaa at meiji.ac.jp
Professor at Graduate School of Business Administration,  and
Deputy Director of the Centre for Business Information Ethics
Meiji University, Tokyo, Japan       http://www.a-cubed.info/