>> "I don't see why there should not be a way to know who is >> publishing data on the Internet. In almost all other forms >> of communication, there is some accountability for the >> origination of information."
>...in every other form of communication, the phrase "get a warrant" >comes to mind. >Except on the internet where we require the information to be public >so that anyone and their dog can view it without a warrant. This last statement is entirely untrue. WHOIS provides information as to the PUBLISHER (such as one would find on the masthead of a newspaper). This is, ought to be, and should remain, public information. You still need to "get a warrant" (or a rubber hose) as you so quaintly put it to ascertain the origination of the information published. --- The fact that there's a Highway to Hell but only a Stairway to Heaven says a lot about anticipated traffic volume.
