Why Is The DHS Seizing Internet Domain Names?

From The American Thinker:

November 27, 2010


Why is Homeland Security Seizing Domain Names?

Thomas Lifson

I find it bizarre (and somewhat alarming) that the Department of Homeland Security has apparently taken as its mission the enforcement of copyright laws, and is seizing domain names of websites that reportedly violate copyrights. The Hill reports:





The investigative arm of the Homeland Security Department appears to be shutting down websites that facilitate copyright infringement.



Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has seized dozens of domain names over the past few days, according to TorrentFreak.





ICE appears to be targeting sites that help Internet users download copyrighted music, as well as sites that sell bootleg goods, such as fake designer handbags.



The sites are replaced with a note from the government: "This domain name has been seized by ICE, Homeland Security Investigations."

I am all for protecting copyrights, as intellectual property is a pillar of the advancement of western society and technological progress. That is why jihadists want to end intellectual property. But what does this have to do with Homeland Security? There are laws in place to handle copyright violations. The fact that Homeland Security takes upon itself the seizure of websites is alarming. Once they establish this precedent, it can be expanded to include shutting down any website (including this one) that incurs its wrath, since there appears to be no legal basis for seizing domains that facilitate copyright infringement.





Hat tip: Ace

Posted at 01:46 PM