What does US Government's increased interest in websites mean for Internet marketers
Last Update: November 28, 2010

This morning, I read the following article from Natural News:  http://www.naturalnews.com/030542_censorship_internet.html

Now granted, Natural News is a media source I take with a grain of salt (of varying sizes), but I follow it because I get a wide variety of information I might not get from other sources.

The article is about how recently the US Government seized 76 domains without any sort of due process for alleged copyright violations and the real possibility that more websites could be seized in the future.

I know we all have our theories and emotions about the extended reach of the US government into our lives.  Believe me I am quite familiar with many of the "conspiracy" theories which really aren't just theories.  I say that only because I don't really want to go into all that here (or in the comments).

The real questions I have are of a more practical nature.  What does this mean for Internet marketers in the US today and our ability to make our living from the Internet?

Considering this, what practical steps would you take to safeguard your Internet property (your domains, websites, etc.).  A website you or I develop is a true asset and as such really is"property."

One precaution that comes to mind is regularly backing up my website, which should be done even under the most freedom loving climate.  I'm also wondering about having alternate domains that could be used to mirror the existing site.

What other ideas do you have?

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WRI Premium
Joan your right and one thing I did not mention was how this maybe misused, We have to keep our eyes on sweeping powers. I kinda left that up to the readers, however, like you said "Department of Homeland Security is out of control." I agree TSA is a license for perverts , but this a bit different I believe, just the same HAWK EYE IT :)
jatdebeaune Premium
Wes makes a point but I still don't like the sound of it, especially after reading the list of 18 supporters. That list is totally predictable. Glad my senator isn't on it. Protecting people from copyright infringement sounds innocent enough, but I don't trust that it isn't just a doorway leading inside. Just keep watching the legislation closely. Department of Homeland Security is out of control.
WRI Premium
I noticed the the reasoning they gave was copyright infringements. As long as the powers are limited to just that it could be a good thing to actually protect legitimate web sites.
It may help put a stop to all the article plagiarism going on right now. Having back ups is a must, I had thought of that mirror idea myself but for other reasons. At the end of the day (if like I said these are limited powers) we probably have more to fear from Solar Radiation and EMP's than having our website taken by the GOV. If they are collecting tax revenue they would be shooting them selves in the foot going after legitimate websites.
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