KJ, It does pose an interesting moral dilemma. I'm in a different position to Max in that I use the services of a Web Host and I don't hold my own data on either of the sites I maintain. The main implication there is that any authority could bypass me (and I'd have to bypass Pip for the Annexe - I'm programmer there, not owner/administrator) to try to obtain information.

As far as political statements go, I think I would be as awkward as possible with authorites... I mean I think Bush is a spoilt brat playing "toy soldiers" with human beings, that Toady Blair is just that in his relationship with Bush and I should be free to be allowed to express that in forums that accept political speach, just as anyone with opposing views should be allowed to praise the same people.

One question, at least from a UK perspective is: "even if I had my own server, could I stop the authorities?". I know the police have the rights to take and inspect computer equipment where paedophillia is suspected but am unsure elsewhere. I would guess that suspicion of terrorist activity could be another one and that making a political statement could, in the current climate, be seen as supporting terrorists...

Jon