Governments already have authority to look into ICANN's operations. There is
nothing about being a corporation that keeps off limits. The normal powers that
allow the police to search and seize your personal effects also apply to
corporations. Entities that operate internationally are subject to regulation in
every country where they do business.
A significant question for every global organization is "Which government gets to
step in and enforce its particular set of rules?" What if Country A says you
must reveal your shareholders' personal data to other shareholders while Country
B says you may not reveal shareholders' personal data under any circumstances?
And if you don't live in Country B and didn't elect their officials, why would
they have any more right to represent your interests in regulating ICANN than the
ICANN Board itself has?
Diane Cabell
http://www.mama-tech.com
Fausett, Gaeta & Lund, LLP
Boston, MA
Gene Marsh wrote:
> At 01:12 PM 7/11/99 -0400, you wrote:
> >
> >Yes, ultimately. I think ICANN is better off if it has internal mechanisms
> >for accountability so that gov't's need not step in--or threaten to step
> >in--to keep it in line. ...JZ
> >
>
> Jon, I disagree. I believe ICANN needs to have open mechanisms which
> ENCOURAGE governments to occasionally step in, for review of the processes
> and accountability. Only having sunshine on ICANN and its methods will work.
>
> Gene Marsh
