Emergency Summit Called to Discuss Kentucky Domain Seizure

Lance Bradley | October 3, 2008

A number of groups, including the Poker Players Alliance, have called for an emergency summit to discuss the recent seizure of 141 domain names related to gambling by the Government of Kentucky.

The groups, led by The Bluegrass Institute, an independent, non-partisan association of writers, speakers and thinkers who analyze state and local public policy in Kentucky will meet on Monday, October 6 to discuss the implications of the state’s actions.

Joining the PPA at the summit will be Internet Commerce Association, Interactive Media Entertainment & Gaming Association and Americans for Tax Reform. The groups plan to discuss whether or not the state has the legal jurisdiction to seize the domain names, the national and international ramifications and the future of internet freedom and technological innovation. Most importantly the group will discuss whether or not domain names fit the Kentucky statutorily definition of a gambling device.

The state is seeking to control the domain names as a way of preventing them from doing business with Kentucky residents. The initial court order was granted and domain registrars around the world were sent legal notification that they had to comply. Most sites, registered outside of the United States, have so far refused to honor the request citing lack of jurisdiction.

The next legal hearing on the state’s seizure of the domain names is set to take place Tuesday, October 7, before the Franklin County Circuit Court.

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