[policy] When Tech Meets Policy...

Thu Aug 16 00:31:03 UTC 2007

On Aug 15, 2007, at 2:55 PM, Barry Shein wrote:

>> Then my next question is, what reasons are there where it'd be  
>> wise/useful/non-criminal to do it on a large scale?
>
> It's a relatively passive activity when used for ad pages, no one  
> forces anyone to look at them. I'm not sure what the problem is  
> with that except it seems to offend some people's sensibilities.
>
> If the behavior is used to hide illegal activity such as spamming  
> (e.g., botnet use) then that should be more of a reputation issue.

This 'almost' hits the nail on the head.  While domain tasting may  
not intend to obfuscate various nefarious activities related to  
domain names, it does.  Domain assessments are impeded by a vast  
amount of domain name chaff caused by domain tasting.  Domain tasting  
represents a significant burden in both assessment costs and  
performance.  An unnecessary expense, an unnecessary overhead, and an  
unnecessary risk.

As IPv6 is introduced, reliance upon IPv4 address assessment must  
transition to greater reliance on domain name assessment.  There are  
too many IPv6 addresses and too many translators and proxies.      
Attempting to retain an open system makes domain assessment  
essential, and an open system seems like the "right thing."

-Doug

To quote Benjamin Franklin, "Sell not virtue to purchase wealth, nor  
Liberty to purchase power."