|
We control the 13 root name (DNS) servers on the internet. ICANN, the organization in charge is somewhat independant, but the US Commerce Dept. still maintains veto power. Think of these servers as the master phone book for the entire internet. Currently, everyone on earth is using the same phonebook. However, it would be easy for a country to simply decide to not be part the system.
They could mandate that ISPs in the country use an alternate set of servers, and the US would be largely powerless to stop them.
Lets suppose the Brazillian government decides that Amazon.com is offensive. They feel that a local company should have that address. If they started using their own DNS servers, everyone in Brazil would end up seeing a different site when they went to Amazon.com.
I feel this issue is a HUGE threat to internet commerce.
I enjoy blaming Bush for lots of things, but in this instance, his antics really have had a profoundly negative effect. The hatred he has generated for the US is a prime factor in the EU seeking independance. Only a strong diplomatic position and tact would head this off, but seeing as our chief executive jackass had neither, it likely will happen.
Sometime soon, people will wake up and start to see the horrible price in prestige and power that the Iraq war has cost us. Its a national disaster.
|