IP space is a public resource, much like land. [...public ownership records...] This logic is problematic I think, because it might give a gouvernment an oppertunity tho get control over the IP-assignments under its juristiction.
It already has such control if it wants it, because the entities to whom the IP space is assigned are under its jurisdiction.
If privacy laws in some jurisdiction make this illegal, then IP space simply must not be assigned to entities in that jurisdiction. Having IP space is not a right. But getting one should not depend on local law.
I agree that it shouldn't. But lots of things that shouldn't be nevertheless are. I do not consider it acceptable for a jurisdiction to allow entities in it to evade the responsibility I believe they have to be accountable for public resource fragments assigned to them. The right answer to "this country doesn't permit me to make my contact info public" is "that's too bad, come back when you've got your laws fixed", not "well then I guess we'll let you duck the responsibility that inheres in the privilege we're granting you".
Just look how much of Internet and stuff is right now dependent on US Law - and we should avoid such implications wherever possible.
I agree that the IAB, IANA, and ICANN should be multinational entities (UN entities maybe, though I'm not entirely comfortable with that either), or perhaps set up in international waters, so as to not be under the thumb of any particular country. But this is a very different issue. In fact, I think your point supports my argument: I am arguing that the contactability and accountability requirements for having IP space should be designed for good operation of the net, rather than for conformance to any particular jurisdiction's restrictions. Countries with laws that conflict would then be faced with three choices: they can change their laws, or they can do without networking, or they can try setting up an alternative network with whatever characteristics they think good. Certainly the contactability and accountability mechanisms in place now aren't working. Whether this is an enforcement issue or a requirements issue is an open question - but _something_ needs to change. /~\ The ASCII der Mouse \ / Ribbon Campaign X Against HTML mouse@rodents.montreal.qc.ca / \ Email! 7D C8 61 52 5D E7 2D 39 4E F1 31 3E E8 B3 27 4B