Governance
Why internet registries must never cross the line into enforcement roles
Lu Heng explains why Internet registries must stay administrative and avoid enforcement roles that undermine trust.
Headline
Lu Heng explains why Internet registries must stay administrative and avoid enforcement roles that undermine trust.
Context
“A registry’s role is administrative, not punitive. Confusing the two is one of the most dangerous mistakes in Internet governance. A registry exists to maintain accurate records: who is using which number, and under what documented procedures. It is, in essence, an address book. Asking such an institution to police behaviour, impose penalties, or ‘punish’ participants is a category error.” ——Lu Heng, CEO at Cloud Innovation, CEO at LARUS Ltd, Founder of LARUS Foundation.
Evidence
Pending intelligence enrichment.
Analysis
Lu Heng argues that Internet registries occupy a narrowly defined but critical position within global Internet infrastructure in his essay “Why Registries Must Never Become Enforcers” . Their purpose is to record and maintain information about number resources, ensuring accuracy and continuity through documented procedures. This administrative function underpins the technical operation of the Internet, but it does not grant registries authority to discipline or penalise participants. According to Heng, using essential registry services as leverage against perceived misconduct is irrational within any responsible governance system. Denying or withdrawing number resources as a form of punishment conflates record-keeping with law enforcement. In mature systems, behavioural disputes are handled through proper legal channels rather than by withholding foundational services. Also Read: Lu Heng: IPv4 market shifts were inevitable, not about winning The text emphasises that rules and compliance are necessary, but consequences must be applied by institutions with sovereign authority. Courts, regulators and governments operate with legal mandates, procedural safeguards and accountability mechanisms. Registries do not. They function through voluntary participation and contractual arrangements, not through law.
Key Points
- Internet registries are designed to administer number resources, not to judge conduct or impose sanctions.
- Blurring administration and enforcement threatens trust, predictability and the stability of Internet infrastructure.
Actions
Pending intelligence enrichment.
