There doesn’t need to be any conspiracy theories when governments will often use their leveraged positions to get something from companies and punish them severely if they don't comply.

If I remember correctly, there was a certain LEA which approached an US ISP for an informal surveillance request, they refused, and the LEA retaliated by cancelling their contract. I’m failing to find it, so I’d be happy if someone can provide a source.

Verisign IS the conspiracy.