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Seizure of 141 privately held domains in Kentucky..?

by dbarnum
4 replies
Hi,

I've been trying to somewhat follow this info (details here: BoycottKentucky.com ) and just wondered if someone here could sum it up in non-legal jargon. We don't do gaming / porn topics, but it doesn't seem right to take private domains away because they compete with your state's industry. But as a speed-reader plus not being an attorney, maybe I'm not at a good site to get the other side of the picture.

Also, is this for people who live in the state and own the domains? Since domains have a global reach, I'm interested in this aspect. I mean a state cannot block domains from showing to its residents, correct?


Thanks for any help. Trying to get the whole picture of domain rights and blocking them in certain areas.
#141 #domains #held #kentucky #privately #seizure
  • Profile picture of the author greenovni
    kentucky domain seizure - Google Search

    Lost of information there

    The State of Kentucky claims that

    " a domain name/website is subject to jurisdiction anywhere in the world from which it can be viewed. He said domain names are virtual "property" and that they are anywhere and everywhere."

    Thus can be seized if they run afoul of Kentucky law.

    Defense argued that the domains are not in Kentucky and that they are not property, that they are just letters and numbers that enable people to find websites, like the letters and numbers that make up the address of a house. Taking away the address doesn't take away the house or the ability for someone to visit it to gamble.

    In short. The Governor of Kentucky wants to seize domain names of websites he does not like because they are "anywhere and everywhere"
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  • Profile picture of the author primuskannan
    Apparently the judge has denied the motions of the domain owners and a further decision is expected on Nov 10th

    Domain Name Journal - The Lowdown from DNJournal.com

    But cant see how Kentucky's jurisdiction extends over the rest of the world and will see a shift in domain registrations to non us registrars.

    If this prevails then all states and foreign governments will seek to seize domains for their own suppressive purposes and defeat the idea of a free internet.

    Kulasekaran
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  • Profile picture of the author Eric Engel
    I think we're all just sitting back assuming that this won't stick. It would be bad for EVERYONE (not just domainers) if it did.
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