Beware. Efforts are underway to tear down the geographical barriers against Web-related libel suits from remote jurisdictions. The libel case discussed in the N.Y. Times today is domestic but at least indirectly might have implications all over the planet.

One of the key components of TeleRead is the recognition that different nations have different cultures and different laws–hence this talk about well-stocked national digital libraries, plural. Let’s hope that lawyer-related globalization is kept in check or at least kept rational.

Imagine the prospect of international libel battles sparked by image-minded dictators who couldn’t care less about Times vs. Sullivan. Or who at least could oh so gently suggest that private citizens launch suits when they’re unflatteringly mentioned on Web sites in democratic countries.

Sounds far-fetched right now, of course. But then, so have other Net-related legal outrages at one time such as the new and very real Draconian copyright laws in the States and elsewhere.

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