The High Stakes of Domain Ownership: Risks, Laws, and Market Realities

The Perils of Losing a Domain

In the digital age, domain ownership is a critical aspect of maintaining a business's online presence. Losing control of a main domain can have catastrophic consequences. When Google once forgot to renew their domain, it led to someone else purchasing it, highlighting the potential risks involved. The legal term for buying a domain that someone else forgot to renew is called "cyber squatting," and it is currently illegal. However, the original er argues that in a free market, the person who buys a forgotten domain should have full control and ownership.

Losing a main domain can result in significant issues, such as losing customers and private emails. The person who acquires the domain can send emails as the original owner and access other accounts using the "Forgot password" feature. This can lead to severe consequences for the original owner, including security breaches and loss of trust from customers.

Security Risks and Legal Complications

Allowing domains to change ownership suddenly can pose significant security risks, including malware distribution and phishing attacks. A malicious actor gaining control of a main domain can lead to severe consequences for the original owner. Therefore, the concept of a "free market" is complicated by the existence of money and law, which are often manipulated by big players.

Large corporations have the means to influence and change laws to their advantage, often leaving smaller players at a disadvantage. States often bail out large corporations using taxpayer money, while small businesses are left to fend for themselves. This disparity in treatment raises questions about the fairness of the current system and the role of regulatory bodies like ICANN and registrars.

The Role of ICANN and Registrars

ICANN and registrars are described as businesses that prioritize profits, often at the expense of fairness and societal good. ICANN and many registrars, such as GoDaddy, are criticized for their lack of fairness and involvement in both legitimate and illegitimate businesses. An investigator dealing with fraud, scams, and online issues claims that ICANN is difficult to work with, further complicating the landscape for domain owners.

Some registrars, like GoDaddy, are known for discrepancies and issues in managing accounts. Transferring domains to multiple services can make it more difficult for a single company to mismanage an account. Printing out transaction records and payment confirmations can help protect ownership of a newly purchased domain, providing an additional layer of security.

Strategies for Protecting Domain Ownership

The original er believes that buying a forgotten domain on the open market should be considered fair game. However, given the risks and legal complications, it's essential to adopt strategies to protect domain ownership. Having multiple accounts with different companies can prevent being screwed over by one registrar. This diversification can act as a safeguard against potential mismanagement or malicious actions by a single entity.

The law is often portrayed as being equally applicable to both small players and big corporations, but in practice, it favors the big players. Lobbying, gifts, and bribery are methods used by big players to influence laws and politicians to their benefit. This creates an uneven playing field, making it crucial for smaller players to be vigilant and proactive in protecting their domain assets.

Final Thoughts

The landscape of domain ownership is fraught with risks, legal complications, and market realities that favor larger players. While the idea of a free market is appealing, it is complicated by the existence of laws and financial power that can be manipulated. By adopting protective strategies and staying informed, domain owners can navigate this challenging environment more effectively.