CENTR has published a new policy document!
The first section of the paper provides an insight into how the Internet works, where online content is located and how it can be accessed, and explains the facilitating role of the domain name system (DNS).
The second part of the paper looks at the issue of illegal content on the Internet and examines how ccTLD registry operators could contribute to actions that lead to the removal of illegal content.
A third section is dedicated to current registry policies and practices. It showcases how different ccTLD registries develop policies and take actions that best serve the needs of their local communities, and contribute as such to the joint battle against illegal online content.
read more / download PDF (CENTR) + Attached (NP)
CENTR members, who are ccTLD registries, manage Internet country code top-level domains (ccTLDs). Their responsibilities range from providing and operating the technical DNS infrastructure for their TLD, organising the domain name registration process, to proactively maintaining the registry database, so that domain names can be used to navigate the internet.
Abusive and illegal content decreases trust and confidence in the Internet as a platform for innovation, creativity and economic opportunity. ccTLD registries are committed to contributing to a comprehensive and effective approach against illegal online content.
The Internet is a global collection of interconnected computer networks that allows communication by using unique numerical IP addresses. The Domain Name System (DNS) functions as a layer on top of the IP infrastructure. Domain names make it easier for humans to navigate the Internet. For example, when a user types in a website’s domain name, the DNS will tell the user’s device what the corresponding IP address is where the content of the website can be found.
To be reachable over the Internet, content must be stored on at least one computer or server that is connected to the Internet. To effectively remove content from the Internet, it has to be deleted from the device where it is hosted, or that device must be disconnected from the Internet.
The qualification of content as ‘illegal’ depends on the local legal framework and may even vary depending on the context. It is locally defined who has the authority to make this judgement.
Removing illegal content from the Internet is the only effective way to avoid content being accessed and consumed. Two parties have direct access to the content or the device that stores the content: the content publisher and the hosting provider. They are the first to be contacted.
Where a domain name is used to facilitate access to content, the domain name holder may be the provider of the content and hosting, or be able to identify the provider. The registry’s authoritative database with information on all domain names registered under its TLD can help to identify and contact the domain holder.
When it is not possible to remove illegal content from the Internet, which is the only effective solution, one might try to make it more difficult for users to find or access the content. There are different methods of ‘blocking’ internet content, at different levels and involving different players. However, all have in common that the content remains available and that the action may cause unintended collateral damage. Therefore they should be regarded as an interim measure to be used in the case of an emergency or when everything else has been tried and has failed. Blocking or deleting a domain name is one such measure.
Local legal frameworks define what content is illegal, who has been given the authority to deal with it and what processes are permissible within the rule of law. This may vary from country to country. ccTLD registries have different requirements regarding who can register domain names and what their duties are. The combination of these requirements and the local legal framework influences what policies and initiatives the registry develops to approach the issue of illegal online content.
Typically these policies are rooted in the local community, are compatible with local laws and address local needs, and often have been developed in consultation and cooperation with other local stakeholders.
read more / download PDF (CENTR) + Attached (NP)
The first section of the paper provides an insight into how the Internet works, where online content is located and how it can be accessed, and explains the facilitating role of the domain name system (DNS).
The second part of the paper looks at the issue of illegal content on the Internet and examines how ccTLD registry operators could contribute to actions that lead to the removal of illegal content.
A third section is dedicated to current registry policies and practices. It showcases how different ccTLD registries develop policies and take actions that best serve the needs of their local communities, and contribute as such to the joint battle against illegal online content.
read more / download PDF (CENTR) + Attached (NP)
CENTR members, who are ccTLD registries, manage Internet country code top-level domains (ccTLDs). Their responsibilities range from providing and operating the technical DNS infrastructure for their TLD, organising the domain name registration process, to proactively maintaining the registry database, so that domain names can be used to navigate the internet.
Abusive and illegal content decreases trust and confidence in the Internet as a platform for innovation, creativity and economic opportunity. ccTLD registries are committed to contributing to a comprehensive and effective approach against illegal online content.
The Internet is a global collection of interconnected computer networks that allows communication by using unique numerical IP addresses. The Domain Name System (DNS) functions as a layer on top of the IP infrastructure. Domain names make it easier for humans to navigate the Internet. For example, when a user types in a website’s domain name, the DNS will tell the user’s device what the corresponding IP address is where the content of the website can be found.
To be reachable over the Internet, content must be stored on at least one computer or server that is connected to the Internet. To effectively remove content from the Internet, it has to be deleted from the device where it is hosted, or that device must be disconnected from the Internet.
The qualification of content as ‘illegal’ depends on the local legal framework and may even vary depending on the context. It is locally defined who has the authority to make this judgement.
Removing illegal content from the Internet is the only effective way to avoid content being accessed and consumed. Two parties have direct access to the content or the device that stores the content: the content publisher and the hosting provider. They are the first to be contacted.
Where a domain name is used to facilitate access to content, the domain name holder may be the provider of the content and hosting, or be able to identify the provider. The registry’s authoritative database with information on all domain names registered under its TLD can help to identify and contact the domain holder.
When it is not possible to remove illegal content from the Internet, which is the only effective solution, one might try to make it more difficult for users to find or access the content. There are different methods of ‘blocking’ internet content, at different levels and involving different players. However, all have in common that the content remains available and that the action may cause unintended collateral damage. Therefore they should be regarded as an interim measure to be used in the case of an emergency or when everything else has been tried and has failed. Blocking or deleting a domain name is one such measure.
Local legal frameworks define what content is illegal, who has been given the authority to deal with it and what processes are permissible within the rule of law. This may vary from country to country. ccTLD registries have different requirements regarding who can register domain names and what their duties are. The combination of these requirements and the local legal framework influences what policies and initiatives the registry develops to approach the issue of illegal online content.
Typically these policies are rooted in the local community, are compatible with local laws and address local needs, and often have been developed in consultation and cooperation with other local stakeholders.
read more / download PDF (CENTR) + Attached (NP)
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