Nominet could get formal powers to close criminal sites

The .uk registry Nominet could soon be given powers to shut down sites suspected of criminal activity, after changes to its terms and conditions were proposed by the Serious Organised Crime Agency.

A briefing document (PDF) outlining the proposals is the first stage in the process and deals with the fact that Nominet, unlike fellow registries for .org and .biz, has no formal obligation to close down sites used in connection with criminal activity.

Nominet is seeking feedback from the industry on the proposals and the stakeholders that should be present at the discussions, which could take place as soon as the new year.

"We have been involved in a series of takedowns working closely with the Police Central e-Crime Unit, but that process has to evolve," said Eleanor Bradley, director of operations at Nominet.

"This idea is about putting more of a framework and more steps in the process, so there is more clarity around the appeals procedure, for example."

Potential issues to be discussed include the format of formal requests for suspension, whether safeguards are necessary, and the kind of information and support needed from the industry for law enforcers.

Soca was among the first organisations to take advantage of changes in the policy development process at Nominet designed to make the organisation more stakeholder driven, by suggesting the 'Issue Group' on the proposed new powers.