Originally Posted by Chief

Well let me just outline what I am saying, because you are entitled to the benefit of the doubt of being ignorant on the thread topic. These websites were not shut down through conventional channels, nor were the assets (being the domains) seized through US registrars, but rather US authorities exerted their authority over the entire TLD system, and the internet itself, by seizing domains through ICANN itself. ICANN controls access to the root servers (on US soil), and controls all TLDs include country level TLDs, such as .com.au .de, etc. Essentially the US has said, through it's action, that regardless of the location of the site/domain registrar, the extension of the site, etc we still reserve the right to seize any domain on the planet. This is a very big issue, and it only serves the legitimacy of arguements 5-6 years ago that ICANN should not be controlled by a single Government entity, unfortunately the US resisted calls to give up control to the UN.

In relation to infringement, there certainly is a fair argument that tougher laws are required, ACTA (if phrased right) may be a step in that direction. However giving ludacris control over the entire internet and individuals personal rights to copyright holders and lobbies is not the answer. This latest action has done that. The US Government has acted at the behest of lobbyists, and in 'partnership' with them, to socialize the cost of a normally civil matter, and in the process set a very dangerous precedent for future control of the internet. It is a difficult balancing act, and it is fair to say the current balance is not working, but the alternative that lobbyists and the US Government (now) isn't appropriate either - in any way, shape or form.