> -----Original Message----- > From: Melvyn Sopacua [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] > Sent: 04 February 2003 17:39 > To: Jonathan Rickman > Cc: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: RE: [Full-Disclosure] Global HIGH Security Risk > > > At 15:23 4-2-2003, you wrote: > > >So, he is somewhat correct on either issue. If the major > American carriers > >pulled > >the plug, the Internet as we know it pretty much ceases to exist. > > That's the beauty of it. "The internet as we know it" is > redefined on a > daily basis. > > And that still doesn't constitute legal ownership, since the American > government, > doesn't own American companies (the other way around is > subject discussion).
It looks like I had better clarify what I said, although I thought it was clear enough in the first place. Perhaps it's a case of Humpty Dumpty "when I use a word, it means what I want it to mean" (Alice in Wonderland). Individual computers connecting to the Internet are the property of those using it (unless you've stolen it, but then we've tracked you down already and the police are on their way...). However, the core infrastructure could be shut down by the US Government if it so wished (by virtue of the location of the primary root A server). Like I said, this could be reconfigured although the US Government could potentially shut all the roots down. Given that the vast majority of traffic is web based and email which rely on the DNS system, much of the Internet would disappear quickly, even though the routes themselves would still exist. Of course, I forgot to mention that Al Gore invented the Internet anyway, which I think was so good of him. (If Jon Postel was still alive though I'd imagine he'd disagree). - John Airey, BSc (Jt Hons), CNA, RHCE Internet systems support officer, ITCSD, Royal National Institute of the Blind, Bakewell Road, Peterborough PE2 6XU, Tel.: +44 (0) 1733 375299 Fax: +44 (0) 1733 370848 [EMAIL PROTECTED] Am I the only person in the UK who finds it strange that our Prime Minister complains of Human Rights abuses around the world, yet wishes to opt out of the European Convention of Human Rights? - NOTICE: The information contained in this email and any attachments is confidential and may be legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient you are hereby notified that you must not use, disclose, distribute, copy, print or rely on this email's content. If you are not the intended recipient, please notify the sender immediately and then delete the email and any attachments from your system. RNIB has made strenuous efforts to ensure that emails and any attachments generated by its staff are free from viruses. However, it cannot accept any responsibility for any viruses which are transmitted. We therefore recommend you scan all attachments. Please note that the statements and views expressed in this email and any attachments are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of RNIB. RNIB Registered Charity Number: 226227 Website: http://www.rnib.org.uk _______________________________________________ Full-Disclosure - We believe in it. Charter: http://lists.netsys.com/full-disclosure-charter.html
