"Whois" and accountability

"Creating an open DNS Whois system with enforced data accuracy is neither practical, nor is it just," Tom Cross writes on CircleID. "It would prevent democratic governments from developing their own policies that balance the various interests involved in Internet content. Furthermore, as many Internet addresses are not associated with domain names, no DNS Whois system will ever be a comprehensive solution to the problem of accountability. ICANN would be well served to focus its energies on the IP address Whois systems instead, [where] they can make real progress toward a sustainable solution for Internet management without having to unilaterally resolve fundamental questions about freedom of speech."