Domains deleted because of obscene content?!
 

So a friend of me from Denmark has over 200 domains registered with DirectNic. This weekend suddenly all his domains were placed on hold, without any warning. He mailed them to ask what's up, and this is what they replied:

Since when can domains be illegal? I know content can be illegal/obscene, but I always thought that as long as you host it in a country where it's legal, it shouldn't be a problem?

Most of his domains were .com and .net domains (scat, rape, beast, etc.). I know this stuff is not legal in the US, but still, can a domain registry just take your domains like that?

guess that is what he gets for thinking

scat, rape, beast sites on a US anything is bad jojo

that is a new one....

How the fuck can a DOMAIN be illegal?
Content, fine, but a domain??

Id say it was more to do with registry policy than legality.

If they do insist thats a legal issue he could kick up a stink - its a big debate at the moment.

im all for registars doing that.

That is pretty shitty of them
Could make one worried, but then if one has nothing that could be deemed illegal then one has nothing really to worry about.

Read Directnic's TOS/AUP. You'll find Directnic, as well as most registrars reserve the right to suspend questionable/offensive domains, especially if those domains contain illegal content. Basically, those domains are making Directnic look bad.

Did he have related content on those domains?

Its a horrendously dangerous precedent IMO.

That's exactly what I was thinking.

But it also backs up what I was thinking about registrars too. As powerful as they are, they seem to be powerless in the face of US bullshit.

I love Moniker, I just wish they were offshore somewhere.

None of like Rape sites but it shouldnt be a private company that is policing it - esp across international borders.

What if someone from DirectNic looking at one of my sites dosnt like Ginger Pubes?

If it was DirectNic policy as stated in terms then thats fine - but if they are doing it because they are enforcing US law on a non-US entity then they need to be taught a lesson.

Interesting. I know a self pronounced big playa that has beast and lolita in some of their URLs. I wonder if their registrar and hosting company will take the same steps?

i dont think thats cool at all. i understand directnic reluctance to want to be associated with such sites , but its a tough cookie

for the record im not a domain guru and dont have any "questionable" domain names but i still think this is a shitty situation..

If the domain NAME itself is questionable , it shouldnt have been able to have been registered in the first place thru filters to deny purchase of domains with banned words...

Im curious as to what directnic does with these domains.. are the just locked so he has to transfer them or did they seize them or what ?

Im a directnic fan and have quite a few domains registered there. have always been a fan of their service and dont mind paying the extra price for good service, but i dont like hearing stories like this .. :(

wow...that sucks....Is DirectNIC a us based company? Maybe they caught some heat from the domains?

You guys are reading it backwards here. Directnic is a US entity, and they are bound by the laws of the US. Providing domains for illegal material (such as scat or bestiality) could put them in the shitter legally, regardless of where it is hosted. They would be aiding the distribution of this material.

I don't like it, but they may have little choice.

Hereis the important question: WHAT WAS ON THOSE DOMAINS?

im also curious as to hear if the domains are associated with the content or not at all...

like if i registered a site called "fuck-the-donkey-dick.com , and it was just a site about girls fucking guys with big dicks is this o.k. or not o.k.

what laws are you referring to specifically ? i have never heard any laws that ban names ?

Well... that sucks.

so they were just parked names?

hmm still I can imagine some names not being that welcome but ban I wonder what law would OK that

You're surprised that a reigstrar based in the United States has to follow US laws? Are you guys serious?

Off shore businesses and off shore hosting is fine, but you'll need an offshore registrar. Use your heads people.

It dosnt matter - you can call a site what you like, so no US law was broken - The content is a seperate issue, and has nothing to do with US laws at all as (we assume) it wasnt hosted in the US.

thats a first i heard of it.

Its already been asked - what US law was broken actually in the US?

I think he was just implying that directnic falls under US law, which is true.

However there is no law prohibiting any given names. Sort of covered by freedom of speech and all.

Directnic more than likely has a policy that allows them to delete such a domain. Though I would doubt it is legal. They could legally force you to change registrars, etc. Though they would not be able to sell you something, then take it away stating they do not approve of it. Then again they could but one would need to fight them over it. At least that is what I think.

There was actual obscene content on some of these domains (tgp's etc), others just forwarded to sponsors.

I am against most of the content, but still, what's next... What if you run gay sites, and gay porn becomes illegal in the state where your registar is located? They can just take away your domains?

It's just scary to see these things happen.

I know the guy as well, the domains did contain bestiality content - but he's been with them for 3 years so they most have known which type domains he had, just shutting them down without any notice and after that - not provide any explanation for 4 days is just insane.

I would never recommend them again :(.

Bestiality is legal in Denmark :2 cents:

Everything you need is in the first post. Apparently, in the minds of the legal department at Directnic, [U.S. v. Extreme Associates, Inc., 431 F.3d 150 C.A.3 (Pa.),2005. December 08, 2005 (Approx. 12 pages)] decision either upholds some law or perhaps sets a precedent. Go read it if you're interested.

I was't actually speaking about a specific law in this case, I was more addressing comments like
As for everyone jumping to the conclusion that the domain name was the problem, did you even read the original post? Look at the title:

jesus... you people are dumber than a box of fucking rocks. since every fucking question was answered in the first post... it would seem logical to just read the federal law that was cited and the applicable state law, before unilaterally declaring people guilty or innocent.

Directnic is a company founded by people from porn. its not like they are ran by Jerry Fallwell or something. if some guy had a domain www.teens-eating-each-others-shit.com and they deleted it... i think there is an argument for it.

however, since a URL has not be produced, i would assume the crew at DirectNic is doing the right thing.

Just heard that directnic came with a constructive response so he'll be able to transfer them to another registrar, guess most of the delay was due to bad timing with the weekend and all that.

Figured so much, hence my first post.

Yeah, it's the register ToS...man that is scary though

I cant find the PDF on Google - anyone got it?

I would be suprised if there is anything that says a domain name in itself can be illegal - surely its protected by the constitution?

Actually, come to think of it I wouldnt be suprised :(

its about obscenity laws in the US and State of Louisianna.
not "sorry, this domain is illegal"

case law was cited and its in their TOS, so i dont think there is much to discuss since opinions and conjecture are quite irrelevant to the facts.

ok there was content - different story

At least he has the opportunity to transfer them away.

this is unfortunate to hear as it looks like censorship is going to be coming on stronger.