According to a report by Ars Technica, Verisign submitted a request yesterday asking for the power to scan sites for malware and to shut them down when it sees fit. It would also like the ability to shut down a domain name at the request of law enforcement.
Verisign of course operates a huge part of the internet networking infrastructure including top-level domain names like: .com, .net, and .name.
Verisign says:
All parts of the internet community are feeling the pressure to be more proactive in dealing with malicious activity
ICANN has recognized this and the new gTLD Applicant Guidebook requires new gTLDs to adopt a clear definition of rapid takedown or suspension systems that will be implemented.
The full request submitted through ICANN’s Registry Services Evaluation Process on October 10th can be viewed below.
It’s not just malware Verisign is worried about. Apparently the company has been piloting a program with cyber security experts to seize domain names that are harboring malicious content or have broken the law in some way. These takedown procedures would include a “protest” capability for those who feel that their domain name was taken in error.
Do you feel like this is a new government way of controlling the internet with Verisign at the lead? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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