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<TITLE>RE: [AfriNIC-rpd] Afrinic and RPKI</TITLE>
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<P><FONT SIZE=2>Hi Carlos, comments inline<BR>
<BR>
> I agree with you that this situation must be discussed. However, for<BR>
> the sake of clarity and in order to appropriately analyze the<BR>
> situation, I think the point must be made that it is not possible for<BR>
> "a government" to order AfriNIC to shutdown X or Y.<BR>
<BR>
> The only government(s) that could order such a thing are those<BR>
> governments where AfriNIC is legally constituted and/or holds<BR>
> significant assets, which right now would include Mauritius and, maybe<BR>
> South Africa and Egypt. It is just not "any government".<BR>
<BR>
Agreed, except experience tells me that governments often tend to side with governments, particularly when governments wield the power of trade agreements, treaties and other such things. It may be difficult today for one government to order AfriNIC to do something, but it only takes some politicians applying the right form of pressure to make it possible. Just like countries have extradition treaties with each other, is it really that far fetched to imagine treaties being negotiated that allow the imposition of one governments will upon the RIR legally hosted in another country? I would love to think it is that far fetched, but in a world with so much political instability and where governments are starting to fear the power of the internet, I am not sure it is.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
> Government interference is certainly an issue that must be addressed<BR>
> in order for RPKI to become widely accepted and deployed.<BR>
<BR>
Agreed, though whatever the solution to that is, it has to cater for both present political situation and future. I am not sure that is viable at this point. I would love to hear a solution that could actually eliminate my fears, but right now, I just don't see it.<BR>
<BR>
> The "just not any government" observation will be a helpful one in the<BR>
> future so RIRs can wisely chose where to incorportate and/or hold<BR>
> significant assets.<BR>
<BR>
On this point, I am not sure I agree with you. The simple fact is that the RIR's are already incorporated in their respective countries, and this amounts to saying, if the government might screw with you on the implementation of RPKI, move. Thats not necessarily viable. Further more, no matter where you move to, political pressure on whatever country you are in could end up with results that aren't necessarily good for the internet community.<BR>
<BR>
Anyway, just my thoughts.<BR>
<BR>
Andrew<BR>
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