Controlling cyberspace

The proposed "International Convention on Cyber-crime" is not the first attempt by the international community to control the Internet. ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) has gone through a tumultuous process attempting to gain some measure of control. WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) has also struggled unsuccessfully with measures aimed at controlling the exploding Internet phenomenon.

Such efforts are like trying to cap a geyser. Every time a new control is proposed, the Internet blasts-off again and leaves the would-be controllers scrambling for a new grip.

Questions arise about who, exactly, will decide which content is "racist" or "xenophobic?" Will internet service providers be held liable for the content on websites for which they serve only as host? How can internet users' privacy rights be protected. More to the point, should any governmental authority "police" the content of web sites?