Nominet sets up group to help tackle domain name crime

Nominet has set up a group that will examine ways of dealing with .uk domain names used in connection with criminal activity.

The idea to form an issues group was proposed by the Serious Organised Crime Agency (Soca) which wanted a more formal approach for Nominet to suspend domains linked to crimes.

However, there are serious legal issues and risks that Nominet, the registry for .uk domain names, has to consider. These include potential civil or criminal liability for not taking down a site it knows is linked to criminal activities. There are also the potential liabilities for taking a site down by mistake and possibly ruining a company's reputation.

Nominet has publised a background report covering these and other issues. People can still submit feedback on this until 31 March by emailing the registry at policy@nominet.org.uk.

The issues group comprises 21 people and will be chaired by Professor Ian Walden from Queen Mary College, University of London. The group's first meeting will take place on 4 April 2011.