The .cc Domain Name: A Hotbed for Scams and Child Sexual Abuse Material

The .cc domain name, once created to promote global connectivity, has evolved into a notorious haven for scams and child sexual abuse material. Researchers are urging the Australian government to take responsibility and regulate or reclaim the domain, citing its misuse by offshore gambling websites and hosting of images of child sexual abuse.

A Problem with No Clear Solution

The administration of the .cc domain is currently handled by VeriSign, a registry operator that has an endorsement from the Shire of Cocos (Keeling) Islands and a memorandum of understanding with the Australian government. However, according to the Department of Communications, the management of the .cc domain ultimately rests with the Cocos (Keeling) Island Shire Council.

The Need for Effective Regulation

Researchers argue that having a dedicated administrator like auDA’s oversight of the .au domain would be more effective in addressing concerns about breaches of Australian laws. This is particularly relevant when it comes to dealing with child sexual abuse material and other illegal content hosted on the .cc domain.

Efforts to Remove Illegal Content

The eSafety Commissioner works closely with law enforcement agencies to facilitate the removal of child sexual abuse material and other illicit content hosted in Australia and overseas. However, the lack of effective regulation and oversight of the .cc domain remains a significant concern.

Recommendations for Reform

Given the concerns surrounding the misuse of the .cc domain, researchers are calling on the Australian government to take action:

• Regulate or reclaim the .cc domain to prevent its continued misuse
• Establish a dedicated administrator like auDA’s oversight of the .au domain
• Improve collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the eSafety Commissioner to remove illegal content hosted on the .cc domain